James Devereux

Glassblower

A dive of discovery into glassmaking

James used to work as a glass technician at the Royal College of Art
As well as making his own work, he collaborates with artists and designers
He enjoys the challenge of using different skills for different projects

Always interested in glass, James Devereux got his first hands-on experience aged 15 when he undertook a work experience placement at a glassmaking studio in Bath – “and I never really left!” He continued to work at the studio on weekends while finishing school, before heading to university to study glass design. He spent every holiday working for a glassmaking factory in Bristol, and after graduating, stayed at the factory for several years to hone his skills. He and business partner Katherine Huskie now run their own workshop, making original work and offering studio space and technical expertise to other artists. But glassmaking isn’t James’ only passion – he also teaches scuba diving. “I like to keep myself busy!” he says.

Interview

Is there any crossover between glassmaking and scuba diving?: Certainly in being able to pass on information and knowing the different ways of teaching people different things. There is a crossover in the understanding of how other people learn, whether they understand things on a physical basis or a far more mental basis, that can be interesting.
What do you enjoy about collaborating with artists?: Being able to understand what the artist wants, talking to them and working through ideas. I get most enjoyment from the artist who will work off your knowledge; when people are willing to take your ideas on board, you see the pieces gradually grow and become something none of you ever imagined.
How much time do you spend on your own work?: As much time as I want. It’s nice to have the freedom of the workshop to be able to do it. It’s a big luxury to have all that equipment at our disposal and knowing it so well, so you can push yourself and your own work quite hard because you are not having to get used to something else.
What inspires your glassmaking?: A lot of it comes from the process and experimentation. Trying to use the material in a different manner to how I would with other people, using additional tools or techniques. I don’t like knowing exactly what I’m going to make, because there’s no sense of discovery while you are making something.

James Devereux is a master artisan: he began his career in 1998 and he started teaching in 2008