Archives: Artists

Silvana developed a passion for glass over the years, progressing from lead-lighting to fusing and casting. She uses a range of techniques that she has learnt and developed, often making use of the movement arising from the fluidity of the glass when it is hot.
Her inspiration comes from her experiences, memories, and surroundings. This varies from the ocean inspired pieces reflecting her experience as a subsea engineer and scuba diver, to pieces inspired by her rural setting in the hills, and work reflecting memories of when she was young. With her scientific background, she also likes to investigate the geometry present in both manmade and naturally occurring structures, and the opposition to the fluidity of the natural elements.

Recent works featured in her 2021 collection ‘Menstr-hood’ communicate the inevitable battles which occur within the body due to the functions of the female reproductive system, reflecting specifically upon menstruation and fertility.
The collection features five glass blown forms, four of which were created by blowing into molds made from life-cast parts of the body in positions to relieve or ease menstrual pain. The pieces progress through childhood to adulthood reflecting upon how Menstruation can influence fragility in the mind and body.
The contrast of soft and sharp surfaces, forms that are broken and whole and the change in weight and scale of each of the bodies reflect how experiencing your monthly cycle can increase internal anxieties and insecurities due to the negativity which society holds against women and Menstruation.
This collection was created in order to begin and encourage open conversations about periods and other bodily processes related to fertility.

www.bruntnell-astley.com for courses in glass making and allied industries based in the heart of England. Also see www.heartofenglandglass.co.uk

Music related pieces, birds, painted religious pieces, windows

Shivashtie uses glass for its ability to see through – focussing on what is happening inside rather than what is on the surface. It is with this in mind that Shivashtie’s glass heads are devoted to looking beyond the outside to the imaginations of the world within.

I would describe my work as organic,abstract with a sprinkle of spirituality.I tend to have a very basic idea and just let my imagination lead the way .Each of my pieces are unique .I’m just out of my Buddha zone and entering the realm of angels.

Currently making wall art, bowls, drop outs and trying out new techniques. Recently attended a Master class with Amanda Simmons on kiln formed tall vessels.