Glass Orchids ‘Bellina’ by Laura Hart

Laura Hart’s glass orchids are truly exceptional.

They derive from a combination of someone very passionate about plants and a glass artist with a real flair for flowers.

Laura Hart is widely considered to be one of the finest glass flower artists in the world – and you can see why.

The ‘Bellina’ orchid has been scaled to 30cm in diameter to give maximum impact and is true to the plant. The colours are perfectly reproduced and the lithe shape of the petals perfectly echoes the essence of the orchid, while permeating them with her own artistic interpretation.

Laura is inspired by the unflinching beauty of this rare plant species. Each and every bloom is unique with subtle colour and shape nuances, which Laura describes as a “homage to the subtlety of evolutionary adaptation”.

N.B. The images shown are an example of the ones in the series. Each piece is handmade and therefore there will be small variations in colour, shape and pattern. Each one is unique and signed by the artists.

Glass Orchids – Artist

Laura Hart started experimenting with oils and canvas at the tender age of twelve. In her teenage years, she trod the boards. Later, in her 20’s and 30’s she was involved in video production and 3D animation.  In her 40’s she dabbled in heritage building renovation. She only became united with the glorious world of glass art by the time she reached her 50s. Laura, however, always had a love for glass, watching the blowers at work in Stourbridge as a child.

Her career turned to glass when she was asked to work on a glass and steel piece. This is when her obsession and passion with glass really began. Laura attended courses to learn the basics of casting and fusing, buying a kiln and setting up shop in the garage of her home. Laura loves the myriad of diversity that is always present when working with glass.

Laura’s work centres on the conservation of endangered species, flora and fauna. She recreates her specimens using glass fusion and pate de verre casting as well as kiln and flame work. Sterling silver is found in many of her pieces, giving anatomical detail. Influenced by Georgia O’Keefe, Laura has also been a lifelong collector of art nouveau and deco works. Many of her works such as this decorative glass platter are inspired by the Art Nouveau period, their geometry and precision taking on a high level of optical precision.

Artist Statement:

”Inspired by the beauty and ingenuity of this unparalleled plant species, I endeavour to recreate these incredible powers as faithfully and authentically as possible, whilst imbuing them with my own artistic interpretation. Scaled up to around 30cm diameter, every bloom has unique colour variations and nuances; homage to the subtlety of evolutionary adaptation”.