National Glass Centre

Margareth Troli, Newcastle upon Tyne

Margareth Troli has worked with glass for a decade, through her own studio practice and through extensive research. She is currently undertaking a full-time PhD at the University of Sunderland’s Glass department.  The three year research was possible through an AHRC (Arts and Humanities Research Council) studentship and involves the investigation of water jet cutting applications as a way to develop new techniques in fused and cast glass. This state-of-the-art technology allows for precision cutting of most materials, and has become an exciting tool for the creative practitioner. 

Predominantly working with casting and fusing, the 'Illusionary Space' series demonstrates the use of traditional ‘core-casting’ techniques. This series of work has been exhibited throughout Europe, where two sculptures were recently purchased for the Ernsting Stiftung Glass Museum in Germany.

Margareth graduated with a BA Honours in 2001 from the Surrey Institute of Art and Design. She completed an MA in Glass at the University of Sunderland in 2006, and is due to finish her PhD in September 2010.

"Digital manufacturing technologies are gradually becoming more accessible to the creative practitioners with the rapid adoption of new technologies in Art Schools. The Crafts Council’s Blueprint report of 2009 concluded that there is a new digital culture evolving in the crafts, and that there is a growing trend of individuals who is connecting professional practice with research. This type of research has also developed at the University of Sunderland’s glass and ceramics department, where a CNC controlled waterjet cutter was installed. Waterjet cutting is the cutting by means of ultra high pressurised water at supersonic speed. The water together with garnet abrasive performs a cutting action as it is forced through a tiny focusing tube, it can also be understood as a high speed erosion process. Watejet has and it has the ability to cut glass as well as many other types of materials. Using CAD software, digital drawings are converted into a CNC code, and the waterjet follows the drawn path through its cutting cycle. This 3 year AHRC funded research has focused on the exploration of waterjet cutting of glass to extend the visual language of glass making. New technical approaches have been explored by combining traditional glass making techniques with waterjet cutting. The body of artwork showcased in this exhibition has focused on creating three-dimensional forms through constructing 2D elements. Influences and inspirations come from the contrasts I experienced between Englishness (the culture I live in) and my Scandinavian roots, and manifest themselves visually as a fusion of both cultures."
 

'Jennie Speirs Grant, Margareth Troli & Kathryn Wightman' List of Works

Bar (Roch)ococo Lamp, Fused water jet cut glass, 2010
Bar (Roch)ococo Mirror, Fused water jet cut glass, 2010
Bar (Roch)ococo Chandelier, Fused water jet cut glass, 2010
007 – Walther P99, Rose Vase, Fused water jet cut glass, 2009
007 – Walther P99, Light, Fused water jet cut glass, 2010

Photos: Simon Bruntnell