Interview with Faye Thomson, who is a glass engraver.

How would you describe what you do in glass engraving?

After drawing the design freehand, the glass is engraved using a high speed diamond drill cutting deep into the surface. Various burrs are used and water must play continuously on the glass where the tool is working or friction would cause too much heat which would blunt the tool or crack the glass.

Where did your interest in glass engraving begin?

I have always enjoyed drawing..I was drawn to glass engraving because of the challenge. It is a precise, sculptural art requiring a meticulous and controlled technique.

What gave you that first spark of interest in glass?

After engraving, the decoration has the appearance of a miniature sculptural relief.

What is it that attracts you to glass engraving as a form of artistic expression?

The design can appear as a moment frozen in time.

How did you go about learning the techniques behind your craft?

I have always been an artist, mainly self taught..but I learned the engraving techniques from Anne Dybka, an engraver of world renown

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How would you describe the style and theme of your works?

I prefer realism..but will attempt mythological subjects and geometric patterns. I mainly engrave Australian flora and fauna.

What are you working on at present?

I have just finished a whimsical piece titled "The Grapes are Always Greener" with 2 gnomes on a grape vine.

Where do you acquire the glassware that you engrave? (ie are they custom made?)

I buy from Department stores as I cannot afford to buy bulk through a wholesaler.

Do you think of yourself more as an artist or a craftsperson, or do you even consider there is a difference between the two?

I am between the catagory of artist and craftsperson. I think they are very close. Usually a craftsperson can draw or paint as well..but an artist cannot craft a piece (in the round)

Where do you look for inspiration when starting a new piece?

I look to nature, usually. Sometimes the shape of a piece will inspire the design...sometimes I just want to carve a particular subject..so I look for an appropriate piece.

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Glass Engraving interview continued on next page
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