Flowerfield glass maker exhibits at Belfast campus

The highly talented Belgian glass maker, is currently completing the Craft NI ‘Making It’ business programme and is hoping to set up business in the Coleraine area on completion of the programme.

When Pia first set foot in Northern Ireland two years ago, she was amazed at how willing her fellow designer makers were to help her out.

It was all very different from the competitive culture she was used to in England and mainland Europe.

“The craft scene in Northern Ireland is so friendly.

“People work together and help each other. I was very surprised by this. Everyone wants to see everybody doing well. It is unlike anywhere else I have been,” she said.

After being accepted on Craft NI’s ‘Making It’ business programme, she was offered use of a workshop at Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart, where she works closely with ceramicist Adam Frew.

The programme has helped Pia buy new sand blasting equipment and provided her with an avenue to exhibit her work.

Pia’s intricate sculptured glass has been inspired by the marine life of her adopted town.

Her work contains patterns and textures found in sea anemones, jellyfish and other sea creatures.

“I love the area. I love the nature and the rugged beauty of places like Rathlin Island,” she said.

She sees a bright future ahead for her chosen medium in Northern Ireland. “I think there is a possibility that glass making will really grow in Northern Ireland.

The Making It exhibition takes place at the School of Art & Design, Belfast from 5-31 August. Admission is free. The preview is at 7-9pm, 5 August. For more information about August Craft Month go to www.craftni.org