Glass artist Lorraine lives on an estate owned by her family since the 1800’s - her studio sits in the old stables where her Great Grandfather once housed Clydesdale horses. From this beautiful spot - Chestnut Pond - Lorraine crafts exquisite glass mushrooms and buildings, each one unique and considered. Read on to discover more about Lorraine's practise.
What do you make / How would you describe your art practice?
I am a glass artist using casting, fusing and slumping. I try to make work that the viewer wants to take a second look at – to see the little things.
How did it all begin - where does your passion for art come from?
My Mother said I was born with scissors in my hand and I cut through anything and everything. I guess this was the hint that, although I can draw, I would become a 3D artist. She encouraged my artistic skill and I spent many hours making things – especially doll houses and models as a child.
Lorraine uses corrugated cardboard, anaglypta and vintage glass as moulds for her tall houses.
She pours wax over the back of wallpaper so it picks up the imprint then uses that as a thin veneer of wax when creating the moulds.
The wax is then steamed out of the clay mould in the 'lost wax' process. The mould is placed in the kiln and filled with glass chunks which melt during firing.The firing and cooling process can take as long as seven days. First, the heat must be ramped up slowly and when the maximum temperature of 850 degrees is reached, it must be held to allow for the bubbles to rise from the glass. Then, the temperature must be
stepped down 1 degree per hour for 48 hours to avoid cracking.
How did you learn your craft?
I leant to cast glass at Art Station in Ponsonby, followed by several Master Classes learning other skills to work, (and know) the glass which have become invaluable in my work. Glass is a very special but difficult medium, and it is wise to understand it as much as possible, or there can be some very sad moments in the studio.
Where do you find inspiration as an artist?
We hike a lot – in the mountains and on the Port Hills. The mountains are native forest with streams and rivers. The trees, shrubs, mosses and fungi are all around, whereas the Port Hills are open and grass with magnificent views of the Canterbury Plains and Lyttleton Harbour. This lifts my spirit and ideas flow. I also love looking at books and walking about cities and looking at architecture – but I don’t like cities too much.
What are the themes / ideas or inspirations behind your artworks?
Mostly I work with architectural themes. I have always loved buildings with character inside and out. The home is our own space where we have privacy and protection – well it should do. Recently I have diverted to include fungi – a very underrated part of our ecosystem. I have so much fun making them. Occasionally, I just get a bunch of glass powders together and, using them like paint, just go for it and produce a rather abstract bowl or plate.
What does a normal day look like for you?
We start with a coffee at 6 am, walk the dog at 7 am, breakfast and then I do the essentials until it’s warm enough to go to the studio – in summer I’ll head out midmorning, but winter is usually not until the afternoon if at all – it’s cold out there. I also have a large garden which is my other creative place. I like to spend around 25 hours a week in the studio.
What is your studio or creative space like?
My studio is huge - my great Grandfather’s old Clydesdale stables from late 1800’s! It’s unlined weatherboard and two storied with an original brick floor set into the ground – no concrete. The Canterbury wind blows through the cracks and the temperature is similar to what’s outside. I don’t go out under 8 degrees unless really necessary and it can get too hot in summer but mostly it’s a beautiful place to work.
What's your coffee order? Or what keeps you going?
Long black – don’t mess with a good thing.
What do you love about working & living in New Zealand/Aotearoa?
The peace, beauty and freedoms we have. The general public have free access to so much here. Being small it’s easy to have connections countrywide.
What would you like your lasting impression or legacy to be as an artist?
Although my work comes from my heart, I hope the viewer can take ownership of what the work means to them. Someone once told me that just one piece of art ‘out there’ keeps an artist’s name alive after death. It would be great to have my work giving pleasure for many years.
What drew you to working with The Poi Room?
Both galleries are very Professional and welcoming. Their Promotion is exceptional, as is the patience they have for me. They help artists be valued.
Thank you so much for sharing your words and mages with us Lorraine, it's lovely to have a window into your work!
