About

Helen Smith is a glass artist based on the Wirral peninsula in north-west England.

Working with kiln-formed or ‘warm’ glass, Helen creates abstract wall panels and tactile sculptural forms which explore the interplay of light, colour and texture inherent in the material. Her work is largely material-led, evolving through a conversation between the glass, the processes she uses, and the shifting colours, textures and surfaces of the coastal landscapes that inspire her.

Each piece begins flat, with layers of glass powder, glass frit (small chunks) and sheet glass carefully built up before being fired in the kiln. Once fired, the glass is sandblasted to clean and smooth the surface. This is a crucial part of the process, echoing the natural weathering processes in the landscape and transforming the surface of the glass to create the distinctive tactile quality of her work.

This process of layering and firing is repeated several times, gradually building depth, colour and texture within the glass. Finally, the glass is sandblasted one last time before being returned to the kiln to be fired again at a lower temperature, either flat to create a wall panel or over a former to create a sculptural form.

Through the process of layering, firing and weathering the surface, Helen allows the material to play an active role in the making of each piece. The finished work reflects both the qualities of the glass itself and the changing light, colour and texture of the landscape that surrounds and inspires her.

After an early career in IT, Helen studied Applied Arts at Glyndwr University where she specialised in glass, and has been working with glass ever since. She regularly exhibits both locally and further afield.

Away from the studio Helen is a co-founder of the LAKE gallery in West Kirby, an active member of the small team which coordinates the popular annual Wirral Open Studio Tour, and a member of the Contemporary Glass Society.

Just about ready for the #GNCCF preview evening! F

A last minute addition to the collection for this

The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair is comi

Here's another piece with a bit of history... part

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