Profile: Fran Staniland
After early interest in fashion design Fran chanced upon her career as a scuptural glass blower after a visit to the National Glass Centre in Sunderland. Having recently completed her MA in Glass at the University of Sunderland, Fran has had early success, winning the Charles Bray Glass Prize and the Ashbourne Glass Prize in 2006. She continued her success showing work in London and New York in 2007 and 2008.
Fran says ”I make free-blown sculptural vessels and all my work is strongly influenced by my experiences. The beautiful blues and whites of the Canadian glaciers inspired the Ice Series, whilst Gem Series reflects my interest in geodes and crystals. Each vessel is very tactile and the clarity of the glass reacts with the changing light.
As a hot glass artist I am constantly excited by the possibilities of glass. The uncertainty of the medium is stimulating with the pliable nature of the hot glass contrasting so much with the precise form of the cold glass. Glass is pure and for me captures moods. The sculptural vessels are created from layers of clear and coloured glass. I add crisp cuts to emphasise form and these are then highly polished to draw attention to the refraction and reflection within each piece. As the light plays over each piece individuals can find their own inspiration from within.”
