DR. VANESSA CUTLER

Spinal Wave, 2006.
Digitally jet cut, kiln formed float glass
200cm high.

The work is concerned with pushing the parameters of water jet cutting technology. This has led to the development of new work that is utilising this cutting edge technology in an imaginative and unique way. The combination of glass and water jet technology allows the manipulation and play of glass structure that enhances and explores the nature of fragility whilst retaining strength. The context of the artworks investigate the architectural and sculptural design elements of placing them within a setting that draws the viewer to question application and process of the material.

Cutting properties, cutting shapes, lines and milling within sheets of glass that are only possible with such a machine are being explored. Accurate lines, holes and intricate shapes, which can be used in multiples, within single and several layers of glass are being produced. These qualities create work that draws the viewer into the work and the processes that have been applied. The approach is minimal allowing the cutting to maximise the qualities of the architectural glass application. Layering of cutting is enhanced by the manipulation of natural and artificial lights.

By working with technology my research has explored: the integration of material and process; how machinery can aid in the complex development of ideas. These interests have allowed the artwork to investigate the manipulation of industrialisation, alongside tacit understanding of glass processes which still explore the element of the handmade.

Biography pdf

Vanessa Cutler filler

Selected Biography

EDUCATION
2000 - 2006: University of Sunderland, PhD Investigating the creative uses of the water jet cutting for the glass artist’s studio.
1995 - 1999: University of Wolverhampton, BA (Hons) Glass with Printmaking, and MA Glass.
1991 - 1994: Swansea Institute of HE, HND Architectural Stained Glass.

EMPLOYMENT
2008 - present: Swansea Metropolitan University, Lecturer, Welsh School of Architectural Glass.
2006 - 2008: University of Sunderland, Research Council UK, Academic Fellow in Glass.
2000 - 2005: Bewdley Museum, Set up studio.
1998 - 2004: PT Assistant to Professor Ronald Pennell.
1997 - 2000: University of Wolverhampton, PT technical demonstrator architectural glass.

EXHIBITIONS
2008: British Glass Biennale.
2008: Wheaton Village International Glass Fellowship.
2008: 3, Georgetown Washington DC.
2007: Side by Side, Bovey Tracey.
2007: Artist in Residence Missouri Rolla University USA.
2007: Open studio invited artist Duns Scotland.
2006: IX International Glass Symposium Czech Republic.
2006: Evolve, Newcastle.
2006: Origin, Somerset House.
2006: British Glass Biennale (3 pieces selected). Finalist in best in show.
2006: Glass Sellers Prize, Finalist.

PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
2007: WJTA Houston Texas, (paper, presentation, master class, panel of experts and chairperson).
2007: Atoms to Art, London University College, London.
2007: Parallel Connections Research Conference. University of Sunderland.
2007: 18th International Conference on Water Jetting. Gdansk, Poland.

Advisor/ facilitator to various artists in the use of water jet cutting of work for commissions that they have been undertaking. Artists such Richard Mietner, Scot Chaseling, Esther Adesigbin, Conrad Atkinson, Keith Brocklehurst.