Shaping The Past And Present With Glass
'Absence' - by Kathryn Bartlett
Established glass artist Kathryn Bartlett’s work transcends the boundaries of the medium, capturing a deep emotional resonance and timeless beauty.
Observation, experiences, and memories are a constant source of inspiration for this local artist, allowing her to form a connection with her audience. “I’m always fascinated by the complexity of our relationship with ourselves, the people around us, and our physical environment,” notes Kathryn.
Dividing her time between studios in Auckland and Omaha, Kathryn specialises in cast glass - a complex and demanding art form that has become the cornerstone of her artistic practice. Her journey into this medium began at Ponsonby’s Artstation, an institution known for nurturing some of New Zealand’s finest casters. It was here that Kathryn began her exploration of glass, allowing her to later channel her ideas into thought provoking visual statements.
Kathryn says “Casting glass is a long and intricate process that requires precision, patience, and skill” - qualities she has successfully honed over years of practice.
To begin her work, she sculpts her pieces in wax or clay, carefully refining the form until she is satisfied. Once the sculpture is complete, she begins the process of creating a master mould from multiple layers of plaster mixed with silica and water. It is vital that once the wax is steamed out, the resulting mould is robust enough to withstand the high temperatures of the kiln, allowing the lead crystal glass to melt and flow into the cavity.
After cooling down slowly in the kiln over many days, the mould is removed and the glass form is revealed. What follows next is the meticulous task of finishing and polishing the work, which is where Kathryn's attention to detail shines. It is during this phase that the final piece comes to life through texture, beautiful colour combinations, and the luminous qualities that characterise her work.
Kathryn has been a finalist in the Molly Morpeth Canaday Award, the RT Nelson Small Sculpture Awards, the Waikato Small Sculpture Award and the Cleveland National Art Awards. Her work has been widely exhibited, including a recent group show at Artform Gallery in Matakana, plus ongoing representation at Parnell Gallery.
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