A fascination for glass spheres
- Kristin makes blown glass sculptures in which she uses metal to create structures
- Her mentor at a glass workshop significantly influenced her path towards a creative career in glass
- She started practising glassblowing at the age of 15
Kristin Larsson is a glass artist and artisan, whose journey into glassblowing began while she was still at school. She discovered the craft and gradually learned the techniques through hands-on experience in a local workshop, followed by formal education at Kosta Glass School. Kristin advanced her expertise by earning both a bachelor's and a master's degree in fine art from the ceramics and glass programme at Konstfack in Stockholm. Throughout her career, Kristin has worked in various glass studios across Denmark, the USA and Austria, gaining a diverse skillset that has deepened her understanding of the material and refined her artistry. Today, she operates from her studio in Gustavsberg, just outside of Stockholm. Kristin's artistic practice is characterised by her approach to combining glass with metals such as tin, copper and bronze.
Interview
- What inspired you to start working with glass at a young age?
- It actually happened by chance. My old middle school closed down and was bought by a glassblower. I was fascinated by the craft and started to work there on weekends. I continued to do so on weekends and during the summers for years. It started as a hobby and a way to earn some money, but I found it so enjoyable that I kept at it.
- How have your mentors impacted your work?
- I had several mentors who significantly impacted my trajectory in glass. Initially, I did not see being an artist as a viable profession. My mentor at the glass studio where I worked opened my eyes to a creative career. She taught me glassblowing techniques and let me take on more responsibilities, gaining invaluable experience.
- Do you master any specific techniques ?
- Most of my work has been in production, creating stemware and functional pieces. Over time, I developed a preference for spherical forms, which captivate me with their magical and mysterious qualities. I enjoy exploring the material's properties and moving away from traditional vessel forms. This shift became a significant part of my artistic expression, allowing me to create pieces that invite viewers to ponder their inner secrets.
- What draws you to work with specific metals in your glass art?
- I mix glass with metals like copper, pewter and bronze to break free from traditional glassblowing constraints and explore new possibilities. Visiting scrapyards for materials like scrap copper inspires my creative process. I also use techniques such as sound cutting and repurposing old work, for which I smash old pieces to use the glass in new sculptures. This sustainable approach ensures nothing goes to waste and adds a unique dimension to my art.
Kristin Larsson is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2004 and she started teaching in 2020
Where
Kristin Larsson
