Avis Dou
- Post author By Avis Dou
- Post date November 7, 2024
New Artists and reviews
Practising in kiln cast glass with some lampwork and fused glass too.
I am passionate about exploring the interplay between nature, craft, and well-being. My work usually inspired by the landscape I saw in the world, while my idea is inspired by traditional Chinese literati landscape art and William Morris idea. Through these pieces, I delve into the concept of self-cultivation, inviting audiences to connect deeply with the tactile qualities of my craft.
Currently, Madiha is doing a residency with Orleans House Gallery where she is developing Nature’s Reflections, a series of fused glass works exploring the symbolism of nature as a source of healing and renewal. She is also creating an accompanying jewellery line, offering wearable art inspired by these same themes. Her work continues to evolve as she experiments with iridised glass to introduce new textures and effects. Madiha’s journey is gaining recognition locally, with features in Richmond’s Business Hub as part of their success stories. Her work will be showcased at upcoming exhibitions at the OSO Arts Centre and the Landmark Arts Centre, marking an exciting chapter in her creative evolution.
Working with a new technique, using glass powder wafers, the artist works to develop color layering, variations in transparency and the effect of light and shadow. Glass colors used in the Hibiscus piece are called striking colors. The glass colors mature and develop depth and saturation beyond their original state. Each firing deepens colors, creating bold chromatic results.
Fired to temperatures exceeding 1200°, large sections of different colored glass powder create glass wafers. The powder wafers are thin and fragile; some are not much more than 1 mm thick, and random shapes occur when broken. The broken wafers are layered and arranged, creating a watercolor effect. The wafers are so thin that the sections are almost transparent. Overlaying colors create a color palette that is more varied than possible with a single glass color.
Paul’s techniques vary from cold worked, kiln fired, etched to bonded.
In my artistic practice, I primarily utilize stained glass, alongside kiln castings and flat glass installations, to explore themes centered on women and their roles in contemporary society, politics, and mythology. My works aim to evoke deep emotions and reflection, often blending figurative elements with abstraction. Drawing from my experiences as a single female artist, I strive to reveal hidden narratives that stimulate thought.
Nature serves as a continuous source of inspiration, prompting me to express the harmony between human life cycles and natural rhythms. Through my creations—whether narrated images, paintings, or large-scale installations—I pose critical questions about humanity’s relationship with nature in the 21st century, our responsibilities, and the role of women and female artists. By navigating these inquiries, I seek to challenge boundaries and express my insights through the medium of glass art.