Island Life Magazine Ltd December 2007/January 2008 | Page 95

FOOD & DRINK
of a certain colour, he re-melts it and
produces pieces such as the recycled
fossil blocks, made from aluminium
moulds he designed years ago.
Paul’s background is pretty unusual. He
trained in sculpture, and after teaching
art and design for six years here and
in New Zealand, decided to use his
skills in glass casting which he learnt
there. Glass sculpting and blowing has
been largely self-taught. “You learn by
experimenting with the glass, books help
and I’m always sketching out new ideas.”
Indeed he is passionate about learning.
Young visitors, checking his website after
seeing his demonstrations, can find names
of colleges where they too could become
glass makers. He is delighted that when,
next year, the wall to the studio will be
replaced with windows, more people
will be able to watch the craft in action.
“I don’t charge for demonstrations but
encourage
donations in our
charity boxes.”
Paul is always
looking to move
to the next
development:
the expansion
of his studio,
the diversity
of his business,
working with
other craftsmen
to increase his
own knowledge.
So it is
unsurprising
that his
preferred

life

PHOTO ABOVE: The moulton glass
flowing into the moulds.

PHOTO ABOVE: The finished award
PHOTO BELOW: The award setting in the mould

PHOTO ABOVE: Paul putting the
final touches to the awards.

pieces reflect the energy of the
material itself. “I like elegant lines,”
says Paul. “I like movement.”
Diamond Isle Sculptured Glass,
Arreton Barns Craft Village, Main
Road, Arreton PO30 3AA.
Tel: [phone]
(www.sculptured-glass.co.uk)

Island Life - www.isleofwight.net

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