Dóra Varga

Glass sculptor

©Peter Botos

©Bajota

A life's work

Dóra started her career in ceramics and glass art
She creates pieces based on pâte de verre technique
She has an experimental approach to creating

Esteemed Hungarian glass sculptor, Dóra Varga is an expert in the ancient pâte de verre technique of kiln casting that involves pressing glass powders or frits into a mould. Playing with colours, experimenting with form, and introducing light and sound to her work, the end result is stunning, contemporary glass sculptures. Dóra plays on multiple themes throughout her work, from the relationship between mother and child to pollution. A post-modern artist at the core, her work explores tension, contrasts, boundaries and fluidity. She takes her inspiration from natural forms and processes.

Interview

©Peter Botos

©Benjamin Balla

What is the inspiration behind your work?: My work is a celebration of the creative process. I love to explore the way that colour, light and sound interact with one another through the medium of glass. I’m particularly fond of geometric shapes, and I am increasingly working with multimedia formats.
What are the recurring themes in your work?: Anyone familiar with my work will know I tend to focus on topics related to the negative impact that we have on our environment. I touch on issues from noise pollution to the release of harmful chemicals into our water, soil and air.
Why did you choose glass?: I’ve always been drawn to glass as it provides us with a lens through which we can see the world differently. Beyond the surface, there is a depth to glass which encases an inner world. Furthermore, glass serves to transform the space around it thanks to its optical illusions.
What do you enjoy working on the most?: At present, one of my favourite kind of projects to work on are multimedia, especially created through collaboration with other artists. By sharing knowledge with others, it replenishes and inspires me to find new forms of expression.

Dóra Varga is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2011 and she started teaching in 2020