Info
Stacey Poultney is an artist who works primarily with glass. He has expertise in expertise in stained and architectural glass, as well as contemporary glass techniques. He has contributed to a wide range of projects, including world heritage sites, religious buildings, contemporary structure and national museums and installs his work in contemporary galleries and exhibition settings.
What are your inspirations?
My driving force revolves around the intricate processes involved in working with glass, considering it as my primary material. The stark contrast it offers in comparison to both raw and heavily processed materials captivates me. The continual fragility of glass adds an unforgiving aspect, keeping the creative process consistently absorbing.
It can be challenging to sustain a creative practice, what motivates you to keep going!
Creating is not just a choice for me; it is an essential part of my identity.
Fuelled by a diverse skill set, I maintain an unwavering commitment to precision in my work. I am inherently competitive with myself, consistently seeking opportunities for improvement.
How do you initiate your creative process?
Creativity is a part of my daily routine. If I’m not actively creating, I’m meticulously planning my next project step. I prefer accumulating materials in advance, allowing me to complete one project before transitioning to the next. Simultaneously, I develop ideas during my creative process, documenting them in my “Thoughts Journal.” This record serves as a personal collaborative space that may evolve into future artworks. I am hugely inspired by street art, urban decay, soundscapes, brutalist architecture, and industrial aesthetics. These influences play a pivotal role in shaping my artistic vision.
How has your practice changed over time?
Stained glass served as my initial and most direct way for me to use glass creatively. Simultaneously, my fascination with three-dimensional glass has been a constant passion. As my skills developed through the processing of flat glass for stained glass, I discovered the adaptability of methods like etching, glass painting, silver staining and various contemporary techniques. I firmly believe in the significant importance of recontextualizing stained glass for preserving and rendering the associated skill sets relevant in our time. This unique skill set, particularly evident in my sculptural work, accentuates the inherent distinctive qualities of my glass work.
Presently, I have two distinct approaches for the presentation of my work. The primary focus is on designing pieces for installation within contemporary galleries and exhibition spaces. Additionally, I create smaller-scale works specifically for swift installation and removal within the urban environment, drawing inspiration directly from the rapid turnaround of graffiti culture.
How would you best describe your workspace and what tools could you not do without?
I maintain a structured workspace as chaotic environments hinder my creative flow. My workspace is carefully organized, with no surplus items. While I’m fortunate to have a diverse selection of tools and equipment, if I had to choose a crucial element, it would undoubtedly be my bench. It symbolizes both the inception and conclusion of my creative process.
Dissemination
Website and social media links: https://www.cgs.org.uk/artists/stacey-poultney/
Instagram: @staceypoultney
