Roz Speirs of Clarity Glass is a glass artist based in Nelson, New Zealand.
She designs and produces beautiful and functional fused glass items in her studio in Nelson that can be purchased at Wall to Wall Art in Bridge Street.
About Fused Glass
When most people think about glass art, glass blowing is what comes to mind. Glass blowing involves working with the glass in its molten state and this is often referred to as "hot glass".
In fused glass (or "warm glass) the glass still transforms with heat, but this happens in the enclosed space of a kiln. Depending on the temperature, individual pieces of glass melt to the point they fuse into each other, or change shape to form a bowl or dish.
Art meets Science
One of the most exciting things about working with glass is that it involves a mix of art and science. Once I’ve designed, cut and assembled a piece it is fired in a kiln. Glass begins to soften and transform at around 600 degrees centigrade, gradually changing in viscosity until it becomes molten like runny honey at 900 degrees. The firing temperature therefore plays a key part in defining the look and texture of the finished piece, so it is very much a collaboration between myself, the glass and the kilns, often with surprising results.
Glass as a Canvas
Sheet glass acts as a “canvas” for most projects, with the addition of glass powders, crushed glass and enamel paints to create texture, depth and interest. Organic materials such as ferns, feathers, mica and pure silver foil also often feature in my work. I use a wide range of techniques - some require great precision and others are more fluid and organic in their application.
The challenge for me lies in choosing, testing and refining the most appropriate materials, techniques and firing schedules to bring each idea to life.
Glass artist Roz Speirs pictured with her first kiln
Items in the kiln ready for fusing
