Jessica Seraphim’s exhibition of glass jewellery, ornaments and art has started in Mussafah. Caitlyn Davey went down to find out more about the artist and her beautiful strained and stretched glass work.
French native and artist Jessica Seraphim has spent half of her life living in Abu Dhabi, and says it is part of the inspiration for her glass. ‘Growing up in Abu Dhabi, in a safe environment with several communities, seeing all the different cultural traditions, art and artistic representations definitely broadened my horizons. It opened me to art and was definitely the main inspiration for my work. I can’t remember a time where I wasn’t doodling something on my notebook or dreaming in shapes, colours or even materials.’
Jessica says she has always been artistically inclined. ‘Since I was a kid I was always drawing, painting and trying different artistic activities. After graduation, I worked for ten years in special effects for movies, TV series, video clips, advertisements and video games.’
She learnt the techniques of glass art whilst at university studying for a science degree, and then through practice. ‘My studies, of course, were a big part of my training. My 2D and 3D background helps me design and even model my creations. My scientific studies and the intensive glass courses helped me understand the technical part of my job. There is a great deal of science involved especially in correctly adjusting heat, temperature, texture and shapes, but most of it is acquired through experience and practice,’ she says.
Glass work began as a hobby which then progressed to a full-time profession. ‘Until recently I kept my artistic passions and experimenting on the side. A few years ago I wanted to try a new art form I had always been fascinated with: glass. I started to take courses between projects, first I learned engraving then how to create my own glass sulphurs. I then decided to concentrate totally on my art – painting, inking, drawing, shaping objects in resin, scratchboards, linocut, sandblasting and more specifically glass art. I attended different classes with glass masters and after intensive training I graduated as a glass artist. Since then I’ve been designing and creating my own jewellery and making glass art.
‘My biggest problem, since I started working with glass, is that once you start you cannot seem to get enough of it. At first I thought I wanted to do glass blowing, but seeing as it was impractical to establish at home, I started to look at other techniques. I fell in love with the torch flame for sculpting animals and creating unique jewellery. I feel that glass has become so common, that it feels neglected. I want people to see a few of the vast possibilities of glass and rediscover the beauty of the material,’ Jessica explains.
The highly delicate work requires a light touch and experienced hand Jessica tells us. ‘In the flame of the torch, the biggest challenge is the heat because if it’s not well mastered, the most beautiful piece can just break in your hands. In fusing, if the temperature curves of the oven are not well calculated, the piece may come out more or less melded, or may even be fractured. So a lot of testing and thinking are essential before starting the sculpting process. Believe me, when you break something you take notes so that you never ruin a good piece again!’
Of her current exhibition at Abu Dhabi Art Hub, Jessica says: ‘I would consider my exhibition a huge success if I can pass on at least a hint of my passion and love of art and beauty, represented by my work.’ The exhibition will showcase various pieces by Jessica until October 19.
For more of Jessica’s work visit www.glassartist.jessicaseraphim.com. Abu Dhabi Art Hub, Musaffah (02 551 5005).
