Verity Pulford

Glass fuser

©Stephen Heaton

©Verity Pulford

Captivated by the alchemy of glass

Verity is inspired by organic structures
She combines architectural glass with kilnforming techniques
Her work in healthcare has shown her the medical benefits of craft

Walking in the woods with her children, Verity Pulford was enchanted by the diffused soft light coming through the canopy of the trees, the colours, the smells and the lush flora. She wanted to try and capture all of these qualities in glass, something she began to do after a break following her degree in architectural glass and a period teaching art in secondary school. After years of experimenting, taking different masterclasses with leading glass artists, and developing a style that combines kilnforming and architectural techniques with other materials and found objects, Verity started to exhibit her work. As artist in residence at The Walton Neurological Centre in 2018, she became fascinated with the similarities between structures in plant and human biology, a topic she now explores in her studio in the Welsh countryside.

Interview

©Stephen Heaton

©Stephen Heaton

Why are you passionate about glass?: Its qualities inspire me constantly – its fragility and strength, its transparency, opacity, ability to create layers, depth, soft and strong colours, texture, and all of this combined with the ability to transmit, reflect and channel light. Its magical alchemy of transformation, creation and combination captivates me.
How is your work linked to Wales?: My inspiration is deeply rooted in the beautiful natural world of North Wales and the small details of these organic structures – the shapes and textures of lichen, moss, ferns, algae, fungi and the way sunlight interacts with these forms, its effects on colour, tone and shadow.
Has there been a special moment in your career?: During my time as artist in residence within healthcare settings, I have been truly inspired by the honesty, strength, bravery, kindness and humour of people in difficult situations, and also the way art can be used as a medical tool, physically and mentally.
Does glassworking have a solid future?: Glass is a very specialised craft which needs considerable financial support within an education setting, and since courses are expensive to run, they seem to have been the first to go with the defunding of the arts as a whole by the current UK government.

Verity Pulford is a master artisan: she began her career in 2004 and she started teaching in 2007