about — Catherine Dunstan Glass

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Gallery
Available Artworks
Learning Store
- Books and Tutorials
- Equipment
Online Glass Courses
In-Person Glass Courses
- Garth Olwg Lifelong Learning Centre (South Wales)
Gift Cards
Mentorship
Window Commissions
Blog
About
Contact

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Hello!

Catherine Dunstan is an experimental kiln-formed glass artist and teacher based in Bristol, UK. Catherine specialises in pattern-making in glass, creating sculpture and wall art featuring 3D kaleidoscopic patterns. She graduated with an MA in Glass (Distinction) from the University for the Creative Arts in 2021, with her graduate work recognised by the Contemporary Glass Society with a Commendation in their New Graduate Review. She was shortlisted for New Ashgate Gallery’s Rising Stars Prize 2021 and selected for inclusion in the British Glass Biennale 2022 as part of the International Festival of Glass.
In November 2023, Catherine was awarded funding by QEST as their Arts’ Scholars Emerging Maker. This will see her undertake training in the hot shop in 2024 to further explore creating sculpture using her patterned glass, combining rarely paired kiln-forming and hot-working processes, something she began to experiment with at university.
Catherine’s work is informed by her journey of new motherhood, specifically the depersonalisation she experienced in the early years. Catherine creates intricate kiln- formed patterns as an opportunity to exercise total control in her work, as a reprieve from the inevitable vulnerability and anxieties of motherhood. She explores light and vibrant colour to create meticulously crafted kaleidoscopic patterns using a technique called Colour Blooming, which she developed during her MA study.
Catherine is a teacher and mentor to other kiln-formed glass artists, running a calendar of in-person and online courses attended by students across the globe. She has also guest lectured at the University for the Creative Arts Farnham and Cardiff Metropolitan University. A keen member of the UK glass community, Catherine produces and creates collaborative exhibitions for her students and has given talks for the Contemporary Glass Society, Warm Glass and private societies.
Catherine has written and published two books; *Creative and Professional Development for Glass Artists* and *Colour Blooming: A Pattern Making Technique for Glass*.
Instagram @catherinedunstanglass
**Qualifications**
2021 - ***MA Glass (Distinction)*** - University for the Creative Arts
2010 - **BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Journalism (2:1)** - Kingston University
**Awards**
2023 - **QEST Arts’ Scholars Emerging Maker**
2023 - ***Winner*** - Equinox Glass Competition, Non-Functional Fused Glass Category
2022 - ***Shortlisted Artist*** - Rising Stars Prize 2022
2021 - ***Commendation*** - Contemporary Glass Society New Graduate Glass Prize
**Exhibitions**
2024 - **Shaping Futures** - James Hockey Gallery, Farnham
2024 - **QEST Annual Luncheon** - Guildhall, London
2024 - **New Horizons** - Stourbridge Glass Museum
2024 - **Planet Earth** - London Glassblowing
2024 - **Connection 2024** - Glass Art Society, Online
2024 - **Freedom** - Prior Gallery, Bristol (Producer)
2024 - **Transmissions** (Solo Show) - New Ashgate Gallery, Farnham
2023 - **Present Makers** - Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Devon
2023 - **PROCESS (Exhibition and Book Launch Event)** - Blowfish Glass, Stourbridge (Artist and Curator)
2023 - **New Beginnings** - Prior Gallery, Bristol (Producer)
2022 - **Handmade Chelsea** - Chelsea Old Town Hall, London
2022 - **British Glass Biennale -** International Festival of Glass, Stourbridge
2022 - **Bedazzled - 25 Glass Makers Impress** - Pyramid Gallery, York
2022 - **Rising Stars** - New Ashgate Gallery, Farnham
2022 - **Festival of Lights** - Bristol Folk House, Bristol
2021 - ***Gaining Ground*** - Craft Study Centre, Farnham
2021 - ***Graduates Work the Next Generation*** - CGS, Online
**Books**
2023 - **Creative and Professional Development for Glass Artists** - Gather Books UK
2021 - **Colour Blooming: A Pattern Making Technique for Glass** - Ebook
**Publications**
2023 - **CGS Glass Network** Issue 82 *Validation and Feedback - Finding Emotional Resilience*
2023 - **Mosaic and Glass Magazine (Online)** *It’s All About the Process*
2023 - **Blowfish Glass Blog** *Blooming Colour: In conversation with kiln-formed artist Catherine Dunstan*
2023 - **PROCESS Catalogue**
2023 - **New Beginnings Catalogue**
2022 - **British Glass Biennale Catalogue**
2022 - **Mosaic and Glass Magazine** Issue 1 *Broken but Thriving*
2021 - **Glass Sellers and CGS New Graduate Review**
2021 - **CGS** **Glass Network** Issue 79 *Portfolio feature*
**Talks**
2023 - **Balance: Creativity and Making a Living** - DIY Glass Artists Residency
2022 - **Creative Voice and Pattern Techniques** - Contemporary Glass Society
2022 - **CGS Chit Chat** - International Festival of Glass
**Affiliated Teaching Locations**
Warm Glass, UK
University for the Creative Arts, UK
Bristol Folk House, UK
Carla Harris Glass, UK
Weisser Glass Studio, USA
Pittsburgh Glass Centre, USA

Testimonials

“I have done most of Catherine’s online courses, including her mentorship and professional development courses and highly recommend them. Without doing those two in particular, I don’t think I’d be where I am today in my glass journey.

Catherine has a unique teaching skill, is patient and incredibly knowledgeable in all areas. All the notes for any course you sign up for are clear and concise and Catherine’s ongoing support is brilliant. I feel incredibly lucky that I stumbled across her back in 2021. Without a shadow of doubt. Highly recommend.”

— Katrina, 2024

“Catherine taught the first fused glass course that I ever took. It was like a lightbulb went off in my head when I saw all the lovely coloured glass sheets and then found out what could be created with them. Since that first course, I have taken many more classes with Catherine – a mixture of in person and online. It doesn’t matter whether it’s in person or on Zoom, the standard of teaching and the information you get are always first class.

Catherine is brilliant at putting you at ease no matter whether you’re a complete novice or an experienced glass artist. The layout of the course is always very clear and the support you receive is second to none. She provides very detailed course notes and information and will do her best to answer any questions you might have – there is never any such thing as a “stupid” question. If she doesn’t know the answer then and there, she will find out for you, rather than trying to fob you off with a guess.

As an established artist, Catherine is able to guide you through the complexities of each technique or approach. She has a wealth of experience but never forgets what it’s like for the course attendee when they are facing something new for the first time. She also provides incredible support for the more advanced practitioners who might need to stretch themselves a bit more. She is brilliant at coming up with ideas and solutions if you’re feeling a little bit “stuck” and she teaches a wonderful range of glass art courses suitable for all skill levels.

If you’re wondering about taking a course with Catherine, just go for it – you won’t regret it.”

— Margaret, a student from 2013-Present