Sustainability and Glass Sculpting with Daniel Rollitt

Today we have with us UK-based glass artist and ceramist Daniel Rollitt, that uses traditional and digital techniques to create kiln-formed sculptures.

Heads up, this was a very technical conversation about the methods and processes of glass sculpting and how sustainability can still be applied when using this material. I learn a lot about the techniques involved and I am sure you will too.

Artist Statement:

I am a glass and ceramic artist specialising in creating kiln-formed sculptural, architectural, and site-specific artwork. Traditional and digital techniques are often combined to create work based upon my observations of the natural world and/or social issues. I exploit glass’s unique material properties, including its transmittance of light, optics, and reflections, often incorporating depth and multiple perspectives into my work.Intangibility and hidden elements also interest me.I graduated from the University of Sunderland in 2018 in Glass & Ceramics gaining a 1st Class Honours Degree. I have set up my own studio by sympathetically converting an old barn near Lincoln - see my blog. I plan to continue entering competitions, applying for commissions, and producing my own work for galleries and exhibitions. I also wish to create more contemporary artworks that can be enjoyed by everyone through public works. Some of my successes include being selected as a finalist in the British Glass Biennale in August 2017 and Bullseye Emerge in June 2018.

Website:https://dannyrollitt.wixsite.com/glass-and-ceramics

Fragility

"This piece celebrates nature at its best. Diversity is strong in the number of species that peacefully co-inhabit the ecosystem of coral reefs. Despite occupying less than 0.1% of the ocean’s surface, they account for 25% of all marine species, and 75% of the world’s corals are at risk. The vibrant colours indicate the healthiness of corals, compared to the stark whiteness of bleaching caused by rising sea-temperatures and pollution. It would be a shame to live in a world without this colour. Pate-de-verre technique illustrates the fragility of this environment.​

Materials: Bullseye frit and powders, perspex

Dimensions: 180 x 250 x 350 mm

Weight: Approx. 2kg

Date: February 2018

Photo: © 2018 Jo Howell

Anthropocene: Glacial Melt

"Humans have radically altered the physical, chemical and biological systems of the planet on which we and all other organisms depend. Recent decades have shown rapid increases in CO2 emissions, global warming, ocean acidification and widescale natural resource extraction leading to habitat destruction, soon to be followed by extinction. All are signs that we have significantly modified our planet.Part of the series of work titled Anthropocene, Glacial Melt depicts the some-what serendipitous nature of this incomplete glass sculpture of an ice cap and polar bear, revealing the impact that the receding sea ice habitat is having directly on wildlife. The thin and brittle edges of glass illustrate how fragile nature is.​"

Materials: Bullseye glass (frit) & sheet glass.

Technique: Lost wax casting

Dimensions: H83 x W200 x D200 mm                                 

Weight: <1kgDate: February 2022

Photos: © 2022 Daniel Rollitt