Featured image:

PHALAENOPSIS EXOTICA

Featured image: Cattleya Exotica ‘Amethyst’

Laura at Collect 2020

Phalaenopsis Exotica ‘Appaloosa’ (main pic left)

My latest ‘Floralia’ anthology of glass orchids was exhibited at the prestigious Crafts Council art fair, Collect, this February. The installation of twenty flowers includes several new species alongside the most collected favourites.

The astonishing mimicry orchids employ to attract specific pollinators provided essential evidence for Charles Darwin’s, ‘adapt and survive’, theory of evolution. Manacled by religious dogma of his time, he risked a charge of heresy had he cited another organism equally successful in achieving global population through adaptability. Though there is very little anecdotal record of his personal resolve that humans were the ultimate example of his revelatory theory, there can be no doubt he believed it to be so.

Making their debut at Collect 2020, my Orchis Exotica sculptures pay homage to Darwin’s silent conviction.

The bi-coloured neon centres illuminate the uncanny resemblance between orchid and human reproductive organs; a parallel unlikely missed by the great man himself.

This is the very first Tresor contemporary craft fair at Messe Basel and I am privileged to have a Floralia collection on exhibition.

Over the moon to announce that the entire Floralia installation and the Apollo butterfly sold at Tresor; a fabulous result for the first time out of this stunning event!

I am delighted to have three of my butterflies; the Periander Metalmark, Sylphina Angel and Birdwing Meridionalis on exhibition with Bruntnell Astley Gallery during the International Festival of Glass.

Absolutely delighted to have had three of my Lepidoptera selected for exhibition in the Contemporary Glass Societies 20th Anniversary exhibition at the fabulous Etienne Gallery in the Netherlands.

I shall be taking the ferry over there to deliver Attacus Atlas, Spanish Moon moth and the Lesser Purple Emperor butterfly. Looking forward to visiting the Etienne and seeing a little of the Netherlands during my visit.

‘Floralia’ at 2017 Collect, the International Art Fair for Contemporary Objects. During an extended run of five days, the Crafts Council presents an unrivaled opportunity to see and buy contemporary museum-quality ceramics, glass, jewelry, wood, metal, and textiles from established and emerging artists and makers represented by over 30 of the world’s finest galleries.

We will be at the prestigious CRAFT event, Top Drawer, this January for the first time, exhibiting the ‘Halo & Picasso’ works; Bold Statements in Colour. All the pieces will be unique or limited edition works of functional art; bowls, salvers and dishes to create a splash of bold colour and form for the home or office environment. Come visit us on stand 17 in the Craft hall at London’s famous Olympia exhibition centre.

In collaboration with metal sculptor, John Daly, we are debuting an entirely new body of work based on the ‘Optical Geometry’ concept, including three sizeable wall sculptures and a freestanding piece. These new works homage the Deco period with their striking colour combinations and hand crafted precision stainless steel and glass art design. The new collection will include three large-scale wall sculptures, with a complementary range of bowls, platters and dishes. The centre piece of the stand will feature a stunning steel and glass sculpture, ‘Morning Glory’.

A lovely article on insects used in interior design, written by Nicole Swengley, entitled ‘Insects Appeal’ included an image of my Kaiser I Hind butterfly and editorial on the Lepidoptera collection.

Lovely press, thank you FT!

Attacus Atlas will be on exhibition amongst illustrious company at the very first exhibition of contemporary glass hosted by Bruntnell Astley in the brand new White House Cone Glass Museum in Stourbridge. Allister Malcolm will be demonstrating in the hot shop on June 11th and some of the best glassmakers in the country can be seen in action at what promises to be a fabulous event and exhibition. The new museum space is absolutely stunning; long awaited by the glass fraternity and a real must see for glass lovers and collectors this summer.

Absolutely delighted to have been awarded gold in the glass category for the 2016 Craft & Design magazine’s Selected Maker awards. I was chuffed to have got into the finalists, but when Angie Boyer told me I’d been awarded gold, I was astounded and pleased as punch! Thanks to all who voted for me and to the judge, Terry Brett of Pyramid Gallery York.

There will be an exhibition of all the finalists’ work at the Pyramid Gallery exhibition, ‘GLASS 2016’ opening on May 21st. I shall have three pieces there, so if you’re in the beautiful city of York in the next few weeks, be sure to visit.

Absolutely fabulous press in the 16th April 2016 edition of the FT’s How to Spend It weekend magazine, ‘Superior Interiors’. Lovely article titled, ‘Displays of Reflection’ by Lucia van der Post.

Had a great three days in beautiful Harrogate at the British Craft Trade Fair 2016. Met some lovely people and caught up with friends made last year. Booked up for the BCTF London fair at The Old Truman Brewery on the 11th – 13th September 2016. Will be launching new sculptural collection; Hart & Daly collaboration . . . watch this space!

Over the moon (moth!) to have had my Spanish Moon Moth selected for the live show of Glass Life Forms beginning February 5th 2016 at the Hodge gallery, Pittsburgh Glass Centre. From there the exhibition moves on May 20th to the Corning Museum of glass in New York at the Cedar Arts Centre and continues on for the Glass Art Society conference in June until the 22nd of the month. There may well be further venues after that . . . will keep this page updated!

From 6th December 2014 to the 31st of Jan 2015, some of the ‘Picasso’ collection will go on exhibit and sale
at Colchester’s Sculpt Gallery. A lovely gallery space set in the heart of rural Essex.

First time at the BCTF. Had a great show, met some lovely people and received some very positive interest from new galleries keen to exhibit
the flower and Picasso collections. Looking forward to next year. Pictured with me, Colin from the amazing Karen Fawcett Studios stand opposite – never a dull moment!

Was very honoured to have one of my Picasso collection – the original ‘Picasso’ Bowl (Origami) featured in the Financial Times ‘How to spend it’ magazine. Such was the fabulous response to the article, Origami sold out and I’ve been making like a mad thing ever since! Wish I had press like this every week…

Commission piece measuring 1200mm in diameter with three ‘Fuschia Appaloosa’ phalaenopsis orchid mounted stems. Subtle backlighting creates a warm glow through the orchids, bringing their finely detailed petals to life in vibrant colour. The stems can be electroplated as desired; nickel/chrome, bronze, copper or brass. By special commission, every mirror will be unique and created according to the collector’s choice of orchid design and variety.