Kira Phoenix K'Inan

Glass sculptor

Sketch to sculpture, an exploration in glass

Kira developed her own glassworking technique to translate 2D drawings into 3D sculptures
Her work has been displayed at the London Science Museum
Science fiction movies and poetry are among her source of inspiration

“Glass teaches patience, meticulous planning, and being alright with a breakage,” says Kira Phoenix K'Inan. This is one of the reasons why Kira loves working with glass. Her passion for glass and anything artistic began at a young age, as she grew up in a vibrant community of artists on Lamma Island, in Hong Kong. This is where she developed a deep connection to nature and lay the foundation towards a creative career with glass at its centre. “While assembling a cabinet at the age of 17, a glass shelf shattered into tiny pieces, and I ended up using them in my final exam art piece,” she recalls. She took a short glass course at Central St Martin School in London and pursued a master's degree in glass and ceramics at the Royal College of Art. Today, Kira works from her studio in West London, where she creates sculptures that have been displayed at the London Science Museum and gained her international recognition.

Interview

Why did you choose glass sculpting?: Glass is a material that allows me to translate my works on paper into sculptures. I can create tension by exploiting the fragility of glass and make my ideas a reality with its flexibility. Additionally, glass teaches patience, planning, and the ability to accept breakage.
Could you describe your creative process?: I play and experiment with glass to create unique sculptures. I am also mastering specific skills, such as kiln skills, including glass casting, pâte de verre, and techniques I developed during my studies at The Royal College of Art.
Why did you develop your own technique?: I developed The Relief Glass Drawing Technique during my master’s course at the Royal College of Art in London. It is a labour-intensive, hands-on technique that allows me to experiment with surface textures by carving into plaster batts and combining different glass colours for a vibrant outcome. This technique enables me to translate my 2D works on paper into 3D glass sculptures.
As a mentor and tutor, what advice would you give to a young maker?: Work hard, as mastering glass takes time. I have been fortunate to learn from many masters, so I would also advise seeking out glass makers who can share their knowledge and experience.

Kira Phoenix K'Inan is a master artisan: she began her career in 2013 and she started teaching in 2017