Engineering glass for the future

Laura has an innovative approach to glass sculpture
She encourages people to touch her glass artworks
She is committed to teaching the next generation

Rather than a mere specialist in glass making, Laura Quinn sees herself as a material engineer. “I am always figuring out unusual ways to work with glass, to push the perceived boundaries of the craft,” she explains. She combines traditional techniques, like glass blowing and lampworking, with alternative methods such as waterjet cutting and 3D printing. “In order for our craft to survive, we need to not only be custodians of tradition, but pioneers of innovation as well.” The results of this approach are objects that are repairable and flexible, welcoming human interaction and challenging the idea that glass is too fragile to touch. “People generally don’t know they can touch my work when it is displayed in galleries. I always encourage them to do so.”

Laura Quinn is a master artisan: she began her career in 2012 and she started teaching in 2015

Discover her work

Discover her work

Haptic Bellow III

Haptic Bellow II

Tacit Dimension

Tacit Light

Tacit Breath

INTERVIEW

In 2020, when the world was plunged into a global lockdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to open my home workshop so I could continue creating works. If the lockdown had not happened, perhaps I would not have made the leap.

The global, yet small community that gives me a sense of belonging. It is an unsaid understanding that when you join it, you share your knowledge and work. That is why I am so committed to teaching the next generation.

As my work revolves primarily around engineered interactiveness, well made objects for me are durable and have clever fixings and interfaces between different materials that allow them to flex and move. I also put a lot of effort in ensuring that my objects can be reused or repaired.

With the rising cost of energy, many studios are forced to downscale, and even close down. I therefore teach my students how to be adaptable, to consider various ways of making. As artisans are generally good at adapting, I have hope we will find ways to continue.