Sink II: ceramic and glass sculpture

‘Sink II,’ a cut, ground sheet glass assemblage with a ceramic found object, featured in the British Glass Biennale 2010 (‘Sink I’ was exhibited in the 2008 Biennale) and was innovative in the utilisation of objet trouvé and sheet glass combined in a low-tech construction. Confronting the physical qualities of glass, the danger associated with the material is highlighted by an assemblage of roughly cut sheet glass buttresses and shards juxtaposed with the personal connection of the everyday object. ‘Sink II’ shares with current glass and mixed-media statements by UK artists Gaea Todd and Emma Woffenden in identifying human referents in ready-mades. These works contrast with the majority of sculptural glasswork that tend towards the emphasis of technical prowess. This contemporary glass exhibition was the highlight of the International Festival of Glass (IFG), UK’s major juried exhibition in association with the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers, a unique showcase of the work of both UK and International artists. The IFG includes the British Glass Biennale, Glass Master Classes and a Public Festival taking place in Stourbridge, a heritage site of glass production. Established in 2004, prior to the Biennale, there had been no major retrospective of the British glass scene since 1993 Crafts Council touring exhibition ‘The Glass Show’ (also featuring my glasswork). ‘Sink II’ featured in the exhibition catalogue and website. The exhibition had worldwide coverage and images of Sink II were included in the Contemporary Glass Society's newsletter, New Glass Review, Craft Arts International journals and Terry Grimley’s Birmingham Post article of 2 .9.10, reviewing the British Glass Biennale, identified and discussed the work’s intentions.