PRESS RELEASE
PAINTING IN LIGHT
Jane Dorner
16th July to 29th August 2009
© Paul Robinson and the artist
Zest Gallery celebrates summer with a solo exhibition of vessels and wall panels by British artist Jane Dorner who uses glass as a painting medium.
Jane is a "mid-career-change artist", coming to glass from publishing. She completed an MA in Glass (Distinction) at the University for the Creative Arts, Farnham, Surrey, in 2008. Her current focus is an installation for the reception area of a new out-patients department for the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital and some of the pieces in Painting in Light derive from her research into that project. Jane"s design motivation originates in the unseen fragility of the construction of the human body contrasting with an outer robustness, which finds a parallel in the qualities of glass.
She has developed an innovative technique exploiting the painterly qualities of pate de verre (a type of kiln casting using finely crushed glass mixed with a binding material to create a paste, applied to a mould, fired to fuse the glass) picked up on a bubble of hot glass to make swirling colour gestures and to paint in light.
She says: "I start with a pâte de verre form, which I use as an initial "canvas" for abstract painting. Then I make use of the distortive qualities of the blowing, heating and shaping process to add dynamism and depth. I particularly love the edges where clear glass meets the colours and you can see the ghost of an original form within." Varying the thickness of the glass produces optical illusions of several "ghosts" and edges, playing with the viewer's imagination.
Entrance to the exhibition is free and all work is available to buy from Zest Gallery.
PRIVATE VIEW: Wednesday 15th July, 6.30-8.30pm
ARTIST TALK: Thursday 23rd July, 6.45-8pm
(free event, but please call or email to book)
Zest Gallery is internationally recognised as London's destination for contemporary glass. Founded in 2003, Zest brings outstanding British and international glass to a wider audience through an exciting exhibition programme. The gallery showcases the work of emerging talent alongside established artists who are the best in their field. Zest runs varied and innovative events throughout the year, as well as offering visitors the chance to enjoy a fascinating insight into the skilled process of glass making in Adam Aaronson"s adjacent glass studio.
For images, artist biography or further information on the exhibition, Zest Gallery or Aaronson Noon Glass Studio please contact Nell Reid on +44 (0) 20 7610 1900 or email nell@zestgallery.com
Zest Gallery, Roxby Place, London, SW6 1RS
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7610 1900 nell@zestgallery.com www.zestgallery.com
Notes to editors:
Zest Gallery
Zest Gallery opened in September 2003 to exhibit cutting edge contemporary glass art. It showcases the work of renowned glass artists as well as new faces on the scene.
Aaronson Noon Glass Studio
Adam Aaronson"s studio runs half-day glass blowing courses offering an exciting and intensive experience aimed at introducing beginners or novices to the wonders of hot glass. Further information available from nell@zestgallery.com / +44 (0)20 7610 1900.
Adam Aaronson
For more than 25 years, aside from making his own glass, Adam Aaronson has been discovering and promoting emerging artists, including many who are now established glass artists, such as Tessa Clegg, Anna Dickinson and many others. He has always offered residencies and internships to both British and international artists and continues to support new glass talent by working collaboratively with artists, encouraging their use of hot glass in his studio.
Zest Gallery, Roxby Place, London, SW6 1RS
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7610 1900 nell@zestgallery.com www.zestgallery.com