Ruby-Jane

I am an aspiring artist with a passion for contemporary art, craft, and visual culture. Having grown up around a working glassblowing studio, I have developed a deep appreciation for the creativity, technical skill, and unique qualities of glass as an artistic medium. One of the aspects of glass that fascinates me most is its ability to capture movement. Whether through flowing forms, shifting light, or the traces left by the making process, I am drawn to work that conveys a sense of energy and motion. I am particularly interested in how glass can communicate ideas and emotions through its interaction with light, colour, and space. In September, I will begin studying Fine Art and Art History at Manchester Metropolitan University. Alongside developing my own artistic practice, I have a strong interest in curation, galleries, and the ways exhibitions shape our understanding and experience of art. I am excited to explore both the making and presentation of contemporary work and to learn from artists, curators, and institutions across the sector. Through my CGS student membership, I hope to connect with the wider glass community, discover new perspectives on contemporary glass practice, and continue developing my understanding of the material and its place within contemporary art.

My recent work has focused on exploring glass as both a material and an artistic medium. During my A-Level Fine Art studies, I completed a project titled An Exploration of Glass, where I researched contemporary glass artists from the UK and across Europe to develop my understanding of different approaches to making. Through observational painting and analysis of their work, I explored how artists use form, colour, light, and movement within glass. This research informed the development of my own pieces, encouraging me to reflect critically on my practice and identify new techniques and ideas that I would like to explore in the future.
Another significant project was Growth and Decay, which examined natural cycles of life and change. For this project, I created glass sculptures inspired by organic forms and the processes of development, transformation, and deterioration found in nature.
Alongside my studies, I have gained experience supporting exhibitions and events through E&M Glass, including assisting at exhibitions in Luxembourg and Ruthin Craft Centre. These experiences have strengthened my interest in galleries, exhibition-making, and curation, while also providing valuable insight into the presentation of contemporary craft. I also regularly assist in the studio, supporting the making process and developing my understanding of glassmaking techniques.