Introduction
First of all, lets start with Catherine's back story:
'I am an experimental kiln-formed glass artist and teacher based in Bristol, UK. I specialise in pattern-making in glass, creating sculpture and wall art. I graduated with an MA in Glass (Distinction) from the University for the Creative Arts in 2021, with my graduate work recognised by the Contemporary Glass Society with a Commendation in their New Graduate Review. I was shortlisted for New Ashgate Gallery’s Rising Stars Prize 2021 and selected for inclusion in the British Glass Biennale 2022 exhibition as part of the International Festival of Glass. I continue to exhibit nationally.'
Working With Catherine
I have worked with Catherine on a few projects for over a year now, including photographing her glass products and portrait. One of the biggest projects we have worked together on was her book titled Creative and Professional Development for Glass Artists by Catherine Dunstan — Catherine Dunstan Glass.
As you can see by her work, it's colourful and striking with repetitive patterns. I always enjoy photographing her imaginative glass work, and we often bounce ideas off each other to get the best result for the photo. I always see it as working together, rather than myself just being hired to complete a job. Even when it is something as simple as photographing it on a white backdrop, in an e-commerce style. The thing is, I know how important it is to get it shot right for the clients because of the amount of work they put in to it, it's not just a fast rushed production product like most things these days, it's art that they have put huge amount of time and effort in to so my goal is to make sure I shoot it the best way I can.
'My work is informed by my journey of new motherhood, specifically the depersonalisation I experienced in the early years. I create intricate kiln-formed patterns as an opportunity to exercise total control in my work, as a reprieve from the inevitable vulnerability of motherhood which causes me anxiety. I explore light and vibrant colour to create meticulously crafted kaleidoscopic patterns. The technique used is one I developed during my MA study, Colour Blooming, a process which I teach internationally.'
If you would like to know her processes, and learn what she knows, she offers excellent courses to give you the skillset you need to create work like hers.
We have more exciting projects planned in the future which I can't wait to share with you all. I hope I can take some behind the scenes images, which I think would be useful to share, to show you the processes involved.
If you would like to see more of Catherine's work, please visit her website here: Catherine Dunstan Glass
