This series utilises the Venetian technique known as ice glass. This is a decorative effect that causes the surface of the glass to resemble cracked ice. This is achieved by repeatedly plunging a piece of hot glass into cold water and withdrawing it quickly. The thermal shock creates fissures in the surface, and these impart a frosted appearance after the glass has been reheated.

When the piece is out of the kiln, Tim polishes one side of the glass, so you can see through to the underside of the cracked surface. Traditionally this technique would be used on thinly blown forms. Tim has used it on a thickly walled glass form. This maximises the optical quality of the cracked surface, achieving a jewel-like quality that sparkles in the light. The surface texture distorts and fragments the colours within the piece. Tim’s initial inspiration were the large floor mosaics that he saw on a trip to Pompeii last year.

Freeblown glass, cut and polished

H25 x W25 x D11cm