Opaque glass surprises
- Sarah specialises in both hot and cold glass processes
- She makes her stencils by hand
- Patterns, colourful imagery and opacity characterise her work
Sarah Wiberley holds a BA degree in 3D Glass Design from the Surrey Institute of Art and Design, and a Masters degree in glass from The Royal College of Art in London. Since 2004 she has worked in various glass workshops, either as part of a larger team or alongside an individual glassblower, gaffer or master. “The teamwork involved in glassblowing means you are always learning from those more experienced than you. I have trained with some of the best glassblowers in the UK,” Sarah says. She now creates her unique objects in her London-based studio and thoroughly enjoys the technical and practical nature of glassmaking, the teamwork involved and the immediacy of working with hot glass.
Interview
- What are your specialisations?
- Creating patterns and applying imagery onto glass. My current technique involves precision in design drawing, stencil cutting and sandblasting. I have created and adapted lots of different techniques to apply imagery onto glass including using enamels, printing techniques and engraving.
- What do you love most about your craft?
- Most of all I love the feeling when I am completely immersed in my work and ideas. I love creating beautiful objects and expressing myself through these designs; problem-solving to make patterns fit perfectly around an object; working with other glassmakers on technically difficult projects; the speed and adrenalin that go with getting something safely into the kiln.
- What do people not normally know about your work?
- Often the material is mistaken for ceramics as I use a lot of opaque glass. People are surprised when I tell them I draw the patterns and cut the stencils by hand, they assume I use computer-aided plotters and vinyl cutters.
- Could your craft be considered in danger?
- Yes, I believe so. It is a very small industry with only a few workshops and individuals continuing to produce handmade glass. Glass blowing is a very expensive industry to work in; renewable energy sources or recycling of materials will be needed to sustain it.
Sarah Wiberley is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2004
Where
Sarah Wiberley
