Glass Art by Stephen Foster
Artist’s Statement
All my work whether it is kiln or blown work, explores and exploits the inherent qualities of glass. Trying to draw the on-looker into my work to examine the changing shifts of perspective that occurs as they move around the work. Light reflects and refracts at different angles, dancing across its surface and through its inner world where secrets are revealed.
There is often a story behind my work, but I consider this as only a starting point for the journey. As the physical process of making a piece begins, the work changes and evolves as though the glass is contributing ideas, a symbiotic relationship surpassing my original conceptions, or maybe in the words of Oscar Wilde, “ Feeling through a certain quick instinct which is almost a divination, that the secrets of art are best learnt in secret and that beauty, like wisdom, loves a lonely worker”.
Stephen Foster
Stephens’ passion for glass first emerged in the mid 1980’s whilst studying at art college, but it wasn’t until some years later that he was able to fulfil his dreams of mastering the material to produce the stunning variety of shapes & forms that now grace his portfolio.
Having completed his study at the prestigious International Glass Centre in the UK, Stephen went on to create a number of commissioned works for both sculptural and functional pieces. He worked for a while for the internationally renowned Richard Golding. Then he was awarded the Broadfield House Glass Museum scholarship, glass blowing studio January 2001 the first applicant to be awarded an extended 2nd year – where he perfected his trademark surface techniques.
His work has been exhibited widely around the Britain, ensuring his reputation as a designer and maker of innovative and exciting decorative contemporary glass.
Stephen has worked for the last 10 years at the International Glass Centre as teacher and technician, where he helps students fulfil their creative potentials, and at the same time developing his own knowledge, skills and creativity.
Stephen has a strong passion for this glorious material glass and still refuses to be tied to one discipline of glass making, fusing and slumping, casting, blowing, cane and murrine.
The Belle Epoque of English cameo was during the Victoria period, but the Victorians were obsessed with designs inspired from Roman themes. Stephen always with the love themes and connections drew his inspiration from the Victorians but this time taking the style and class of the Arts and Crafts Movement.
The Arts and Crafts Movement of the late 19th century, aimed to promote a return to hand-craftsmanship and to assert the creative independence of individual craftspeople. It hoped to overcome the banality and inferior quality of industrially produced decorative arts by promoting a return to style and craftsmanship”. This statement seems as equally valid today as it did then.
Stephens “Homage” range pays tribute the style and ethos of the Arts and Crafts Movement.