For the second part of my professional development award I am on a course with Australian glass artist, Kirstie Rea, at the studio of artist Silvia Levenson near Milan. The participants on the course are artists who come from all over the world including various European countries, USA, Israel and Brazil.
it is fantastic to have the opportunity to connect with such a diverse group of artists, all of whom are passionate about working with glass in all its aspects. Kirstie works in Canberra, Australia, where she has taught for many years alongside developing her own practice and she is a fabulous teacher. She specialises in working with folded glass and has extensive experience in this field and intimate knowledge of the workings of the kiln.
The aim of the course is to learn techniques and also to focus on the development of ideas and your personal practice. This is a great opportunity for me to have time away from my own studio to spend time focussing on learning new techniques and developing my new ideas in the company of other professional artists.
This whole trip is giving me the chance to contextualise and develop my practice and is providing much support and encouragement as well as ideas and technical support to develop my work when I return to my own studio.
