Welcome to A look Behind The Studio Door. A series of interviews with artists, designers and makers. We kick off with members of Design Nation Cornwall and Devon Cluster and take a closer look at the work currently on show at MakeSouthwest, Devon - Materials Matter.

Today we invite Helen Eastham.

“I make kiln formed glass vessels, sculptures, and wall pieces. My designs are predominantly influenced by the coast and intertidal zones which I walk on a daily basis. Connecting with the environment and with individuals guides my practice, it is a continual journey of discovery and experimentation. The finished forms allow me to bring the outdoors indoors.”

Between Bedruthan Steps and Mawgan Porth

Describe a typical day in a couple of sentences?

I am an early riser, I grab a quick earl grey, check the tide times then it’s either the beach, coast-path or both, for a walk. On my return I grab a coffee and head to the studio. Radio on and a quick clear up from the previous session (I’m not very tidy) and it’s a new day to explore and experiment. Kilns to be emptied and checked, the rim of the vessels needs to be removed then I cold work the edge to refine the pieces. If I have time, I’ll make more component parts to be fired, ready to be used the next day. Kiln on, back to the house for dinner. If time in the evening I may draw or organise an Instagram post. Then chill.

In your studio – what’s the first thing you see? (be honest- I can see an empty packet of chocolate digestives!)

I immediately see my kiln.

Describe the materials you use?

I work with glass sheet, frits, powders and glass stringers and rods. I utilise materials which have a past and a connection to memories, people and places to make the pieces. I have an old weaning spoon and fork of my children’s to scoop out the glass powders. I draw or compact the powders to create many of my designs using my grandma’s old rolling pin. I use diamond pads to refine the rims of my vessels and the noise of the roughest pad when touching the glass is like listening to waves breaking on a stormy day, as you work down through the grades the noise gets quieter and quieter, like listening to gently lapping waves on the shoreline. I love the qualities of glass with its juxtaposition of liquid or solid, fragile or strong, clear or opalescent, it’s a mesmerising, exciting and surprising medium to work with.

In 5 words what is it about the materials you use that matters to you?

Connections, adaptability, exploration, surprise, wonder.

Describe a piece that best illustrates your chosen material?

Coast-path Vessel, this shows transparent and opaque spaces, it shows how glass can be transformed using gravity, time and heat. You can see sheet glass has been mixed with pre-fired bent glass stringers and rods, and it shows how glass powders have been sifted and compressed to gain unusual shapes. All in all it demonstrates how glass can be manipulated in many ways to create unique pieces of contemporary craft.

How did you discover the materials that matter to you?

I am a lifelong learner and I have always been a maker, I discovered glass as a medium 14 years ago by doing a day course with Amanda Copson. Glass just fitted, it allows me to explore and play through creativity. As for powders they were the natural connection, an extension of drawing in the sand, making sand-castles and walking on the beach. I like things to have a history and hold meaning for me, it helps me feel connected to people and places. I use my grandma’s old rolling pin to compact the glass, I have my daughters weaning spoon to collect the powder and fork to draw in the powders, I have spoons bought from an antiques shop on an outing with my sister-in-law. They are more than just materials they are connections.

What would be your top tip for those wanting to experiment with your chosen material?

Know your health and safety guidelines when working with glass and glass powders as there are many hazards. When you know these, its time to play with the materials. What is instinctive is usually right, find your own path, explore, experiment and lose yourself in the moment.

Cats or dogs?

Dogs

What are you looking forward to this year?

Lots of walks with family and friends, Open Studios, Bovey Tracey craft festival, Focus exhibition at Cornwall Crafts Association this November, getting new work to The Penwith Gallery in St Ives and The Poly Gallery in Falmouth, working with Elaine at the Byre Gallery, teaching at www.createcic.co.uk and developing the Camborne Contemporary Craft Hub with Jane Smith and Angela Hatherell, all in all a pretty busy schedule, hopefully with time to play and explore too.

For more information:

Helen Eastham Studio

Helen Eastham Studio (@heleneasthamstudio) • Instagram photos and videos

More information about Design Nation UK