2015 Commission Competition - FINALISTS

Six Glass Artists, including one student, were selected by the Judges Rosy Greenlees, Katharine Coleman MBE, Mark Holford, Reino Liefkes and Gwen Rhys who viewed 52 samples submitted from 36 artists.

The Judges’ said they

We were particularly pleased with the effort and care everyone had taken to interpret and fulfil the brief. There was a wide range of techniques with many artists pushing the boundaries of expectation and showing great virtuosity. Many samples were definitely “conversation pieces” and we were all amazed with what had been produced given the constraints of the budget.

At the end of the day, the “favour” needs to work in the context of the Banquet – the venue, the age range and likely tastes of the Company’s guests. There were many items which, although not quite “right” for the particular occasion, would work well in another context.

The Six Finalists

The Winner will be formally announced at the Company’s Glass Dinner on 24 September when the majority of samples will be on display and be available for sale with the proceeds going to the Glass Sellers Charity.

Bob Crooks

Bob Crooks is one of Britain’s most highly recognised leading glassmakers.
Renowned for the high quality, skilfully executed dynamic forms and surfaces, he has been producing over the last twelve years. Continuously thinking of original and challenging ideas. His work has been exhibited at International level and in noted exhibitions in Italy, China, Scandinavia, Australia and the USA, alongside many exhibitions at home in the UK. Website: Bob Crooks : First Glass

Jazz Dixon

Jazz is in the second year of her degree and works in a variety of media however her specialisum is glass. She enjoys casting and working with material that has contrasting properties. These properties when mixed with colour, light and texture make glass an exciting media to work with. She finds her inspiration from the beauty of nature and God’s creation. Her work focuses on colour and energy capturing a moment in time.

Jochen Holz

After graduating from the Royal College of Art in 2003 Jochen set up a glassblowing studio in East London specialising in lampworking. He sees himself as a maker trying to continously extent my experience and understanding of the craft. Even after twenty years of working with glass he is still struggling with the inherent contradictions of the material and the challenge of making things well. Like any long term relationship it demands constant awareness and exploration to stay alive.

Monette Larsen

Monette has spend the last 10 years exploring glass. Inspired by the natural world, especially structures and patterns, she enjoys playing with the qualities of glass to challenge the viewer’s perception. Originally from Denmark, Monette graduated with a Masters in Glass from the Royal College of Art last summer. She now has her own studio, is an artist in residence at UCA in Farnham and teaching part time at RACC in Richmond. Website: Monette Larsen

Emma Mackintosh

Emma is a flameworker, using a small, very hot gas fired torch to melt rods and tubes of glass to create her work. Her glass is both classic and contemporary, with purpose and a unique twist. She is inevitably influenced by the stunning setting of the Lake District, where she has her studio: nature and the natural world are dominant themes in her work. Website: A Flame with Desire

Faith Mercer

Faith’s work explores the beauty of life and its regeneration after death. She is inspired by the hidden miracles of the microscopic world of pollen and mould spores. As an Artist, her intention is to develop distinctive and tactile work, which combines traditional craftmanship with unconventional techniques and original ideas. The importance of individualism and free thinking is the main focus of her art work . Website: Faith Mercer