Modernist Glass ‘Abstract Expressionism’ by Amanda Charles

This modernist glass piece is a glorious kaleidoscope of colours in a geometric explosion of worked layers of glass. The layers give the piece real tactile substance and urge the hand to reach out and touch and the eye to absorb the myriad of colours.

Amanda’s latest work is inspired by the Royal Academy’s recent exhibition  ‘Abstract Expressionism’ and the formed glass is similar in composition to a painting.

A truly modernist glass art piece with a visceral, raw emotive colouration that does not hold back.

For something more quiet and earthy, why not explore our brown glass ornaments section.

Modernist Glass Artist

Glass artist Amanda Charles began her stellar glass journey by training in ceramics and glass at the University of Hertfordshire. She became fascinated by the versatility of glass and the amazing array of ways it was possible to work with glass to create beautiful art.

Her favourite modus operandi is working with kiln-formed glass. This is a ‘warm glass’ technique, where layers of glass are fused together in the kiln. The temperature is precisely controlled using a digital thermometer so that the constant heating and cooling of the glass does not crack or shatter the glass art (thermal shock).

As this method offers such precise heat control, it enables her to stack opalescent, transparent and dichroic glass to create vibrancy, geometry and very tactile 3D texture. It almost invites the viewer to reach out and touch the art.

The modern ‘alchemy’ of the application and control of heat enables Amanda to take uniform sheet glass and canes and conjure up the fantastic glass artefacts in a kaleidoscope of colours.

Inspired both by contemporary art movements and the great art movements such as Bauhaus, her abstract modernist glass art creations focus on geometric and powerful colour contrasts. The elaborate detail of her pieces creates both linear and non-linear compositions – a harmonic dissonance if you will.

Layers of glass compliment or contrast with each other to create a wonderful divergence between light absorption and reflection in intricate detail and pattern. A style that pays homage to the simplicity of Bauhaus Modernism and the complexity of non-representational Abstract Expressionism (art not based on reality, but more an expression of the artist’s psyche).

Her artistic style and technique are constantly evolving as she continues to experiment with the marvellous medium of glass.

Amanda’s work has been featured in the Online European Glass Show 2016 run by the Contemporary Glass Society. And this year her talents have been honoured by being shortlisted for the 2017 British Glass Biennale.