Sophie Longwill

Glass sculptor

©Georges Lingom

©Angus Mackay

Capturing fleeting moments

Sophie combines printmaking and glass
She describes her pieces as whimsical and warm
She loves to experiment with her chosen material

Sophie Longwill has always been creative and was encouraged from a young age. She experimented with many materials before finding her true passion in glass. Her work is playful combining glass techniques with printmaking. Using the delicate technique of pâte-de-verre she creates work which seeks to capture fleeting moments of everyday life. She transforms ordinary life into works of art, adding a sense of magic and wonder. Her work reflects how she sees the world and her positive outlook is infectious. Sophie is inspired by everyday moments, whether it is clothing hooked over the back of a chair, a text message from a loved one or a chance glimpse of the sunset on a walk home.

Where

Interview

©Georges Lingom

©Georges Lingom

When did you first encounter glass?: I fell in love with glass in the glass blowing workshop at the National College of Art and Design. I blew the biggest bubble I could out of hot glass. It was so wonky and fragile but I adored it and kept it in my bedroom until it inevitably broke; but I was hooked.
What is the pâte-de-verre technique?: Pâte-de-verre uses finely ground glass powders and frits with a binder to create a paste. This paste is pressed into a mould and fired in a kiln. My method is a little untraditional. I incorporate elements from printmaking and techniques I learned from the artist Anne Petters.
What surprises people about your work?: It’s stronger than it looks. At my last photoshoot a light fell on a glass vessel and it was totally fine; even I was surprised by that! But I have been working with this process for years now and my work is getting better and better. It’s now travelled around the world more than I have.
What is a memorable moment from your professional life?: Last year was a rollercoaster! I was selected for Design and Crafts Council Ireland’s PORTFOLIO. I was awarded an exhibition at Bluecoat Display Centre, Liverpool. I won Makers to Masters business support and was granted an Agility Award from the Arts Council of Ireland.

Sophie Longwill is a rising star: she began her career in 2016 and she started teaching in 2022