Fused glass
SUE THORNE
I first discovered the love of glass at Hereford collage of art, were I studied for a Foundation Degree as a mature student. I followed this up by studying for an MA at Swansea Metropolitan University, studying under Chris Bird Jones and Dr. Vanessa Cutler. I then broadened my knowledge by attending Creative Glass Guild in Bristol. Finally I was ready to fly!
My work is inspired by the mountain landscape and particularly Pen- y- Fan in the Brecon Beacons. I aim to capture the mood and atmosphere that I experience when walking and to demonstrate my love of the countryside and the nature that surrounds me.
I particularly enjoy painting on glass. I use Reuche colour, which has been used on stained glass windows since Medieval times. It is applied across the surface of the glass and is then manipulated, moved and removed with all manner of different brushes. I use an extraction method. As the Reuche dries, more is removed by the brush, until finally I will use a fine needle to get the most delicate of detail into the work. At this point it is very vulnerable and needs to be fired in the kiln to make it one with the glass.
This method is applied to both traditional and modern stained glass panels and in fused glass art work.