Sandrine Isambert

Glass sculptor

Tadzio ©Fondation d’entreprise Hermès, 2021

©Sandrine-Isambert

Capturing life in glass

Sandrine opened her first studio in 2009
She studied with masters such a Tagliapietra and Kimiake
She is inspired by the infinitely small and the infinitely big

After completing two bachelor degrees in visual arts and applied arts, Sandrine undertook a 3-year programme in glass blowing at CERFAV, followed by a master’s degree in fine arts. During her rich career she has benefited from working under many famous French and international glass masters such as Lino Tagliapietra, Kimiake and Petr Novotny. This diversity of learning experiences brought her to enjoy both conceiving and producing her creations; pushing her to develop her own techniques such as her signature pate de verre in hot cast glass. She opened her first studio called Fusion Libre in 2009. Since 2019, she has a smaller Studio near Annecy where she focuses on more unique pieces and installations.

Interview

Tadzio ©Fondation d’entreprise Hermès, 2021

©Sandrine-Isambert

When did you first decide to get into glassmaking?: It was the first night after I worked with hot glass for the very first time. I dreamt about it because it was such an intense experience. I immediately fell in love with this material. I said to myself, “that’s a job I would really like to do”.
How is your craft connected with your home country?: From a historical and technical standpoint, I am very much influenced by Emile Gallé and the art nouveau movement. Intellectually, the concept of evolution fascinates me. My next installation is about the erosion of the Alps.
How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?: Innovation for me is about using old techniques to help us express new ideas and reflect about our present time. It’s also about anchoring tradition in contemporaneity using new technologies in order to come up with innovative projects.
What advice would you give to aspiring glass sculptors?: I would suggest that they study in a specialised school as well as with professional artisans. Being passionate is also fundamental, because although this profession can be fun, it can also be quite hard. Having a supportive family also helps.

Sandrine Isambert is an expert artisan she began her career in 2004