Hearts of Glass
www.heartsofglass.co.uk
Telephone 07976 933 225
Email karen@heartsofglass.co.uk
My career for over 20 years until starting a family was in hospitality management. I live in Barnet with my husband Grahame, an IT specialist. We have two teenage sons, Ryan and Nathan.
I have always had an interest in art and crafts and have collected glass in various forms for many years. My father was a graphic designer and photographer and is a skilled watercolourist, so maybe that’s where I get my artistic streak!
I was introduced to working with glass about 10 years ago when I took an evening class, learning how to design and construct traditional lead lights and copper foiling or the Tiffany method. I still occasionally design and make leadlight panels.
However my passion for glass work was ignited by fused, kiln formed glass. It is this that I now work with almost exclusively. I am largely self- taught; attending short courses once or twice a year to pick up new skills. I am always reading books to pick up tips and new ideas.
I like to experiment and have a few happy accidents along the way! I think there is a certain amount of alchemy involved in kiln working, which adds to the excitement.
Much of my work is influenced by the sea and the Cornish coast. We have a holiday home in Falmouth, set on the sea wall of the historic Packet Quays, looking out to Flushing, the Carrick Roads and the Penryn River. My Shoreline Gems and Tidal Treasures Collages are the result of many happy hours on the shoreline gathering sea glass at low tide. A low spring tide is my favourite time as there is so much more shoreline to explore!
I work mainly with Bullseye Glass and have recently been experimenting with Float Glass and many different inclusions including precious metal leaf and other interesting metals. I am interested in creating abstract textural glass art. As well as creating beautiful visual art to hang I like to make functional items.
Since having a workshop built in my garden I can now offer one and two day taster courses which have become very popular. www.heartsofglass.co.uk/lessons
