This cast glass boat was one of my first ever projects. My entry into the world of kiln-formed glass, or "warm glass", was by way of a three month one-day-a-week course. This boat is the only piece I still have from that course, many years ago.

There are different methods in creating cast glass. The original form can be made out of wax (this method is known as 'lost wax casting') or another pliable substance, such as clay for example. I used clay for this piece. A plaster mould is then made and the original removed. Glass is placed in the remaining cavity and melted at about 800 degrees celcius in a kiln.

I love the boat form. I'm not even sure why, considering I have fear of deep, dark water. If I can't see the bottom of the river, sea etc then I don't feel safe. If I can see the bottom, then I feel better, although that depends on what else I can see! But boats themselves, I do like. Perhaps it's the notion of freedom that they offer, in a different way from how a car offers freedom. On a boat you can travel exposed, out in the elements. It symbolizes a meditative tranquility to me. Or, perhaps I love them simply for their form, their shape. The more basic, the more aesthetically appealing, in my view.

dimensions: 16cm long x 4cm high x 7cm wide