Online Newsletter Sample
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Newsletter of the |
Spring 2009 |
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IGGA Member Spotlight on: Rachel Gretton |
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In this issue: |
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Dear Friends,
As many of you know from one of John’s recent eBlasts to the membership, many changes are in the works for the IGGA. Most notable will be the revamping of our website to include this newsletter, Common Ground: GLASS. Besides eliminating the costs and intense labor of paper production, an on-line version can be easily updated with current information that normally becomes out-dated the minute the printed version goes to press. We are also updating the IGGA Source Guide and will have that great resource on the site, as more and more of our members (and the world!) go on line for their information. More details will come as we learn about applying the process ourselves. In the meantime, I hope that the change from winter to spring (at least here in Michigan!) inspires you in your creative endeavors! Yours, P.S. If you would be interested in being featured in future issues of our newsletter, or in other publications, send me photos of you, your work and a written bio (not a CV) to: publications@igga.org. Thank you |
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Please direct all inquiries regarding submission of articles, information or advertising to the editor at: publications@igga.org. Unless otherwise stated, all submitted materials become the property of the writer or Common Ground: GLASS and cannot be reproduced without permission. Copyright © 2009 |
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John Emery and I manned the IGGA booth there early this month. There was, of course, miles and miles of new and favorite products for sale; mind-boggling displays of beautiful art by amateurs and professionals; and on-going days and nights of classes, lectures, contests and demonstrations. But the best part of going to this expo was meeting people involved in this wonderful world of glass art. New and old friends stopped at our booth and chatted with us. Besides joining the IGGA, many left gifts: a recommendation to visit a great tavern in Pennsylvania, photos of fabulous art work, even chocolate covered Macadamia nuts! It was a great experience, and highly recommended to anyone in need of a battery recharge. Consider meeting us there next year!
Since founding her kiln glass business in 2004, Rachel Gretton has established herself as a promising creative talent, producing unique sculptural glass for private and corporate commissions and exhibitions. She has been nominated for several awards from both the arts and business sectors, including the Arts Council England. Rachel earned a BA and an MA Glass from Sunderland University, Sunderland. She has five years experience teaching and facilitating glass workshops and courses to a diverse audience and up to a degree level. She was employed as a visiting lecturer by Sunderland University as well as with other various schools, colleges and galleries throughout the North East and Yorkshire. |
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Rachel has worked for and alongside renowned glass artists producing high standard work for major exhibitions including the Jerwood Glass Prize held at the Crafts Council, London. She has also produced award-winning designs for Cost Boda in Sweden, one of which was sold in Harrods and was exhibited in the “75 years of Swedish Glass” exhibition at the National Glass Centre in Sunderland. As far as Rachel’s unique sculptural glass forms, she says, “I am interested in the journey of self-identity and I use my written work as a form of therapeutic expression. In fact the whole process of creating a piece in cast glass; from initial concept to final piece, involves dealing with situations that affect me emotionally. Getting things out, writing it down, applying it to glass and blasting it away. Working through the process removes the emotional hold and I am then able to see things more objectively rather than so emotionally.” Rachel’s work is, in essence, her diary. The glass reflects her personal and emotional turmoil, relationships, failures and triumphs as well as her innermost thoughts. “The defining factor is always the privacy in which I disclose these issues, the writing within the work is subtle and caught in between the glass at angles that are not always seen on first glance, the lettering can change from literate to illiterate in order to control what the viewer can read. My thoughts are released but are still mine, to keep safe from observers and harsh critics. My work tends to creep up on you and I like that, the more time you spend the more you will see.” |
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The studio has recently moved to Hartlepool where Rachel will continue to develop her business and build her exhibition portfolio of unique sculptural work. Rachel will also teaching this June at the Glass Furnace in Istambul. New studio address: |
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