Why are you passionate about glass?
Its qualities inspire me constantly – its fragility and strength, its transparency, opacity, ability to create layers, depth, soft and strong colours, texture, and all of this combined with the ability to transmit, reflect and channel light. Its magical alchemy of transformation, creation and combination captivates me.
How is your work linked to Wales?
My inspiration is deeply rooted in the beautiful natural world of North Wales and the small details of these organic structures – the shapes and textures of lichen, moss, ferns, algae, fungi and the way sunlight interacts with these forms, its effects on colour, tone and shadow.
© Stephen Heaton
Has there been a special moment in your career?
During my time as artist in residence within healthcare settings, I have been truly inspired by the honesty, strength, bravery, kindness and humour of people in difficult situations, and also the way art can be used as a medical tool, physically and mentally.
Does glassworking have a solid future?
Glass is a very specialised craft which needs considerable financial support within an education setting, and since courses are expensive to run, they seem to have been the first to go with the defunding of the arts as a whole by the current UK government.