Tracy Nicholls Glass

Experiment

Exploration

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Working from her studio in South West London, Tracy uses predominantly opaque glass to create her delicate, sculptural pieces. Fascinated by erosion, of solid forms disintegrating over time – becoming ever more delicate and fragile, she draws on the imagery of this journey and the intricate structures that remain.

Three art works were selected for inclusion in the Craft Hub Exhibition: “Glow, ‘Diaphaneity VIII’ and ‘Aulisca VIII’.

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Material

Glass
Metal

Craft

Glass-making

General Technique

Forming and shaping

Specific Technique

Glass fusing

Properties & Qualities

Application

Art, Sculpture

Qualities

3D, Opaque, Textured / tactile

Colour

Black, White, Other

Sample Information

Date of creation

2023

Process & Production

‘Glow‘ is a large, delicate, glowing vessel of glass made using the Pate de Verre technique. An individual, one-off mould is made using a refractory mix and packed with a paste of crushed glass. After undergoing several kiln firings the mould is removed to reveal the delicate, eggshell thin glass vessel. It is carefully cleaned, sandblasted and sealed before many layers of metal leaf are applied to the interior – the reflective interior curves creating opportunities for light to bounce around and produce the ‘glow’.

The Aulisca series is made by fusing delicate lines of glass multiple times, with extensive cold work taking place between each firing. The two fused halves are finally slumped to create the desired shape and form. Once sandblasted the intricate pieces are sewn together using thin lengths of thread, this contrast of colour and material joining each of the fifteen points where the glass halves meet and forming a striking web through the centre of each sculpture.

‘Diapheneity VIII’ The two mirror image panels are created by carefully hand cutting sheet glass. This is arranged in the kiln and fused in two firings to achieve the desired design. A further slump firing forms the undulations in the lattice area. to finish the panels are ground and sandblasted before being mounted on a walnut base.

Credits

Craft Maker

Tracy Nicholls

Library Contributor

Tracy Nicholls

Photographer

Amanda Rose