Glass artist abstracts national prize
Released: Friday 20th July 2012 at 15:12
A NORTH East artist’s “exceptional” abstract glasswork has been voted the nation’s best new design by a panel of industry experts.
Emma Hollins may have only recently graduated from the University of Sunderland but already her creations are making an impact in the art world after she was unveiled as the winner of the main contemporary glass prize for an “exceptional” piece of work by the Contemporary Glass Society New Designers.
The 22 year old presented her piece of art, Emerging Image – Linear Abstraction, at the New Designers exhibition in London that showcases the work of 3,500 students.
The judges said that Emma’s use of the glass and the “careful investigation” of all the materials drew the viewer in to “interact and explore its depth”.
Emma, who studied a three year glass and ceramics degree, made her piece from different parts of glass and wanted to engage the viewer with unfamiliar objects.
She said: “I wanted to celebrate the glass I have been exploring, and elevate how everyone views the material. I have used common glass (float glass), which is what everyone sees everyday in windows and picture frames.
“New Designers was a great chance to exhibit my work. I have received so many compliments from people for my work and I feel so lucky to have come from a group of such talented artists at the University.
“I’d love any opportunity to exhibit again with the people I have worked so closely with and admire, and feel really happy that others have recognised talent in us.”
The prizes were even more significant this year as they form part of the Contemporary Glass Society’s nationwide celebration of glass as part of the Glass Games 2012. This is part of a two-year programme to put the artwork on the map. A festival of events, including exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations and open studios, runs until September 30 to introduce glasswork to more people.
Emma, who is from St Albans has won £250 in cash, a £100 Warm Glass voucher, a professional photo shoot worth £750 and a promotional and marketing package worth £400.
After winning her prize, she said: “I am about to exhibit at the Zest Gallery and the St Albans Society, so I am going to put the money towards materials. I believe in doing something you enjoy; at school I was never encouraged to follow creative avenues, but to pursue academic subjects, but I did a Foundation degree and discovered glass.”