Laura Birdsall - Glass

Laura gained valuable experience in workshops around the country before completing an MA from The Royal College of Art.

She graduated  in 2006 and the same year, won 'Best Newcomer' in the Bombay Sapphire prize, which toured France, Italy and New Zealand.

In 2007 Laura undertook a residency, funded by the Anglo-Swedish society at  Konstfack College of Arts, Craft and Design, in Stockholm, Sweden

Exhibitions include the British Glass Biennale 2004, '06, '08 and '12. Also Collect, showing with Dan Klein and Adrian Sassoon as part of '40 years of Glass Graduates From the Royal College of Art'. She was also selected from over 400 international applicants to exhibit at Hawk Galleries Ohio, as part of B.I.G.G: Breakthrough Ideas in Global Glass, in 2009.

Artist Statement

Continuing themes in my work are the relationship between the interior and exterior of a vessel and decoration that is integral to the form.

My starting point is often some small detail in nature such as a seed pod of a fish's fin. I layer transparent and opaque colour to create a vibrant, translucence that changes in natural light. As a maker I experience the hot material as soft and luminous and I try to preserve these qualities in the finished work. Many pieces have an intensely worked exterior surface and rim.  This is achieved by meticulous and time consuming cutting, by hand, using a traditional lathe.  Each unique piece is then sandblasted and acid dipped to create a soft satin texture, which is beautifully tactile.

What inspires you in your art?

Small details in the natural world, such as a seed pod or a fish's fin

What medium do you work in?

Blown and cut 24% Lead Crystal glass.

What are you looking forward to at Make it Up North?

Meeting lots of new customers

What work are you showing at the event?

Tactile bowls and vases in beautiful colours

Have you any exciting news to share?

I have been selected to take part in the prestigious Coburg Glass Prize 2014, it is open to any European glass artist and only happens every 8 years or so.

 If you could sit in a room with any artist….who would it be and what would you ask them?

I would choose one of my very talented friends and I would ask them if they would like chocolate cake or a fondant fancy with their tea.