Cutting Edge

The University of Sunderland is at the forefront of glass and ceramics education nationally. Based at National Glass centre, students have access to word-class tutors and production facilities, with the department producing some of the best glass and ceramics artists in the UK.

The work showcased by these undergraduates represents a vast amount of learning and development of ideas, all achieved under unprecedented circumstances. Over the past three years these students have dedicated themselves to the attainment of difficult skills with hard materials.

Glass and ceramics are a challenge to work with, they demand dexterity, knowledge and commitment to achieve the results you will see here. They are sometimes fragile, often unexpected and never easy.

These students have risen to the challenge and each produced a unique and individual body of work covering a hugely diverse range of subjects and ideas. The diversity of approaches, thoughts and attitudes is a quiet reflection on the times we live through.

Anson’s practice often includes computer aided design and 3D printing as well as glass casting, lamp work and ceramics. The themes within the pieces relate to memories and address issues surrounding mental health and body positivity.

Chris Dalton is a stained glass artist and painter based in Gateshead. After a career spanning 30 years as a Youth and Community Worker she decided to follow her dream to become an artist and explore her love of glass.

Jo is a multimedia artist and sculptor, influenced by ancient artefacts, science fiction movies and the human body. The central medium for the work is ceramics but other cast materials are often combined to create dynamic compositions.

The work is based on creating a symbiotic relationship between natural clay, plants, and water. Using natural foraged clay, each piece is handmade, local and sustainable, combining concept with material and function with form.

Hannah is a glass artist based in Sunderland, North East England. Her work is made primarily in flameworked glass with occasional use of mixed media. Hannah designs and creates her pieces with the aim of bringing joy, spreading confidence and showing bravery.

Originally from the North of Denmark, Emma Mercedes Riis trained as a glassblower in Sweden, Denmark and France prior to settling in the North East of England to pursue her career as an artist.

Based in the North East of England, Eve is heavily interested in nature, music, history, cosmology, politics, and the occult. After studying acting and performance she moved on to pursue her passion for art and design and discovered her love of clay.

Whelan’s work explores an interest in history that has had an enormous impact on his life. The work is inspired by pilots’ stories during WW2 of little-known compassion and humanity; about rare human courage and the honour not to shoot.

Home to some of the most-acclaimed glass and ceramics artists of the past four decades, including the likes of Angela Thwaites,  Laura Johnston and James Maskrey, the University of Sunderland continues to be at the forefront of contemporary glass and ceramics art in the UK.