Archives: Artists

Working from the heart of the English Lake District, my work is strongly influenced by my surroundings. I work with borosilicate glass, blowing and sculpting it to form a range of gifts, homewares and lighting.

My range of artisan glass lighting and chandeliers shows the detail achievable with flameworking but allows individual components to be added together to make a larger, showstopping article.

Kiln formed glass is the perfect medium for my work. It gives me the creative and technical freedom to produce tactile, tangible and enduring pieces that explore the sculptural quality of glass. Hot Glass however allows me to investigate and work in a more immediate and direct way with my chosen material, drawing inspiration from its molten state in order to produce unique and tactile vessels.

I use a range of techniques to interpret my designs including acid etching, sandblasting, painting, staining and lamination. The approach is sometimes representational, or may be pictorial or abstract. The final result, however, is always a fluid response using the vibrant qualities of glass itself

Fi specialises in kiln formed glass panels, both landscapes and figurative works and also works with architectural stained glass.

Commissions welcomed. Classes held monthly from the studio/gallery near St Ives.

My workshop and showroom are in a delightful Arts and Crafts Centre in rural Suffolk, in Henstead where there are 16 other small businesses including a licensed café and tea garden.

I have an extensive website and online glass engraving teaching channel.
There are always pieces for sale in my gallery in which you can see here: http://www.lesleypyke.com/art-glass-for-sale/

I split my time between teaching, stained glass commissions / restoration and making kiln formed glass art for galleries and shows. I have recently started screen printing on glass and have made screen printed kiln formed glass such as coasters, jewellery and wall art.

She is inspired by the intricate details of life and her work is essentially a representational comment on the world surrounding us as well as a constant challenge to her technical abilities. Mostly working with kiln-formed glass, which essentially requires great planning and preparing of the glass, whether that is with molds or applying enamels, prior to placing it in the kiln and programming it to heat and cool the glass in a certain way. It can sometimes take weeks to prepare a firing and unexpected things can occur, but it is this troubleshooting element that Rachel relishes and keeps her engaged with the material.