In the heart of Cornwall, where the rugged coastline meets the azure sea, I take inspiration from the natural beauty which surrounds me. My art is a vibrant reflection of the Cornish landscapes, but even for a seasoned artist like myself, there are places in the world that hold a special allure. One such place is Murano, a small island in the Venetian Lagoon of Italy where glass art is celebrated and revered, it is famous worldwide for its glassmaking traditions which date back centuries.
This summer I embarked on a journey to Murano, not only to witness the artistry on the island but also to explore connections between my own work and the legendary Murano glass.
The journey to Murano begins in Venice, where we landed on a scorchingly hot morning, we thoroughly enjoyed a meander through the canals of Venice on a gondola, with my husband singing “just one cornetto” for most of the ride. St Marks square was mesmerising, the architecture is so grand and opulent, especially when compared to the tiny, winding streets with quaint bridges and little restaurants tucked into every corner. After hunting down some ‘proper’ gelato and stopping for alight lunch we made our way to Murano. The adventure to Murano required a second ferry boat, bustling with tourists and no air conditioning which made the journey less poetic than it might have been, however the sights of Venice’s grand architecture as we glided through the water was breathtaking.
The parallels between my life in Cornwall and the Venetian way of life were striking. The worry of over tourism making conditions for locals very difficult, the way that life is defined by the relationship with the sea and both have a long history of artisanship. Yet, while Cornwalls art is deeply connected to the land and the rugged beauty, Murano glass making is intertwined with the opulence and elegance of the City of Venice.
The narrow streets of Murano are lined with glass shops, each window displaying a dazzling array of colours and forms. The heart of Murano’s glass making tradition can be found at the Museo del Vetro. It is a treasure trove of glass art, tracing the history of Murano glass from its origins in the 13th century to modern day. I spent hours wandering the museum, absolutely blown away by the intricate details in the portraits created within canes of glass – made in a similar way to sticks of rock, so amazing. I also marvelled at the canes of millefiori which are much more detailed than the ones I create for my poppies.
I couldn’t help but draw comparisons between my own art and the glass making of the island, one of the most striking differences is the role of tradition. In Murano, glassmaking is a highly codified art with techniques that have remained unchanged for centuries. The glass makers work in teams, with each artisan specialising in a particular aspect of the process, with one person responsible for blowing the glass, one for adding decorative detail and another for shaping. By contrast, in my Cornish glass studio, I work largely alone, my artwork is more a solitary pursuit. It is much less about following a set of established rules and more about experimentation and personal expression. While Murano glassmakers strive for perfection, I embrace the imperfections which come from the fusion process – the bubbles, the irregular edges and the way that the colours blend in sometimes unpredictable ways. To me, this gives my work more character and a closer connection to the natural world.
As I boarded the ferry for the return journey to Venice, with the prospect of pasta and limoncello for dinner, I reflected on the trip. I have a deep sense of gratitude for the experience, it had been an opportunity to connect with a long tradition of artistry as well as a chance to see some of the most delicate and beautiful glass in the world. I felt a renewed sense of inspiration for my glass work and appreciation for the time it takes to develop such precise skills.
My summer holiday is now over, I have returned to my roots and look forward to more challenges and creativity over the coming months.
