Fused Glass Art Sculpture ‘Alternative Universe’ by Teresa Chlapowski

Captivating fused glass art sculpture made with 8 very clear layers of low iron glass.

As with theatrical scenery (scenography) each layer of glass has some inclusions to build up the drama of the scene. These inclusions include bubbles, coloured glass frits, copper wires and ‘painted figures’.

Once complete the piece has been open cast in the kiln to fuse all the layers together in a ‘mould’. The ‘mould’ is the textured ceramic fibre ‘carved’ into the back of the piece to provide the backdrop for the final dramatic piece of glass theatre.

Once firing was complete, the sides were given a final sandblasting and it was mounted onto a finely rubbed slate base.

Light it from behind or put it on a sunny window sill to achieve the best dramatic effect.

“Dive into a new world of dreams, under the sea or on another planet, where the wires bend in the wind around the stationary, guardian figures.

Fused Glass Art Sculpture – Artist

Teresa Chlapowski Glass Artist. Teresa is a mixed media artist working with photography, digital art, glass-influenced cyanotype prints, and both sculptural and functional glass.

From her studio in Harrow, she uses sand casting and fusing glass techniques and combines her glass work, with painting, photography, and ceramics to full effect.

She uses photography to document her artistic journey and to uncover inspiration in the wooded, autumnal undergrowth, ancient sand drifts by pitted cliffs, or clouds reflected in puddles.

Teresa began her artistic journey with knitwear, and spent many years designing, before taking classes in ceramics, sculpture, and glass at the University of Hertfordshire over the course of many years.

Glass was the medium that grabbed hold of her soul, and she knew this was the medium through which she could best express her worldview. She fell in love with its mysterious alchemical properties; what was once a flowing hot river became a solid form that makes light dance to its tune.

Teresa’s figurative sculptural work provides glimmers and glints of the human form. A mystery wrapped inside an enigma, that is both intriguing and revealing at one and the same time.

Her fused glass panels are influenced by her time as a textile artist, with organised lines in a riotous kaleidoscope of colours.
Teresa has continued to evolve her practice and has taken master classes with Colin Reid and Max Jacquard.

She has sand cast glass at the University for the Creative Arts, Farnham and now sand casts with Jon Lewis and Ewa Warzyniak at Parndon Mill, Harlow.