https://cgs.org.uk/news/the-rough-with-the-smooth/
Swedish glass artist Ulrika Barr likes to contrast blown glass with textured cast glass, encouraging curiosity in the viewer and engagement with her work. Linda Banks finds out more.
What led you to start working with glass?
In my case it was my mother – she was a creative person and worked as a preschool teacher. She used a lot of creativity when she worked with the children at school and in our home. We painted every day when I was growing up and, when I got older and found joy in the wood shop or with metal or clay, and then finally glass, she was always there as my biggest supporter.
She was also a collector of glass, so she took me to visit a glass studio when I was 16. I became so fascinated by the material – mesmerised really. Therefore, when I graduated, I looked up where to start learning the trade and found Orrefors Glass School, where I stayed for three years.
What glass techniques have you used and which do you prefer?
Since I’ve been blowing glass for 19 years now, I have tried a lot of different techniques, but I’m mostly drawn to sculpture and the abstract form. Right now, I’m exploring blown glass combined with sand-cast glass, but I also like to work with stained glass.
