Info
What craft do you work with?
I am a glass artist and jewellery maker
What is your Background?
I have over 20 years of glass experience and hold a BA and MA in glass from Swansea College of Art. I also have a Post-Graduate Teaching Degree in Education and have taught Art and Design as well as an array of skills, including kiln-formed glass since 2007.
Part of my Personal Development in teaching includes attending courses each year and tagged onto the end of one course was a ‘taster session’ where I was introduced to Precious Metal Clay (PMC) – And another passion emerged! After training for a City and Guilds in PMC Jewellery making at Swansea College, followed by Beginner to Advanced levels in traditional silversmithing techniques, it was actually silver jewellery making that led to Helen Kenna Creations as a business start-up in 2013.
What are the main inspirations for your work?
Stained glass has fascinated me from childhood, but it was much later in 1999, that I studied it at degree level. In my development as a glass artist, kiln-formed glass became my focus during my Master’s degree. I was fascinated with controlling the movement of glass as a flowing liquid whilst developing the design to be contained within it. Nature was very much my inspiration, predominantly the sea and phytoplankton.
How would you best describe your workplace?
I work from my own studio to do glass mostly. Classes in Glass, Silver and Resin are offered to the community in a variety of places but most take place in Swansea Community Workshops which is central and offers easy access. Classes offered are as follows:
- Stained glass: Glass cutting, glass painting, leading and soldering to create a glass panel.
- Kiln-formed glass: specific techniques in kiln-formed glass.
- Precious Metal Silver Clay jewellery making: Techniques including texturin and shaping, bezel setting for pendants, earrings and rings.
- Resin: Techniques to create jewellery, making coasters, pictures & decorations
Website: www.helenkennacreations.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helenkennacreations
Instagram: @kenna.helen