MA Glass & Ceramic student Naomi First had the opportunity to experience her first glass related conference in the original centre for glass in the Venetian island of Murano thanks to the Futures Fund Student Opportunity Scholarship.
Naomi was one of the 1500 attendees from around the globe in the Glass Art Society’s Annual Conference, all with a passion for glass.
She said: “I enrolled on the work exchange programme, which meant that I helped out over the three days, checking tickets and passes and generally supporting the smooth running of the event. I worked with the organisers of the conference as well as other volunteers, and through this engaged more fully with other conference attendees and presenters.
“During the conference I attended numerous demonstrations from skilled artists and craftspeople from across the globe including demonstrations of hot glass, flameworking, kiln glass and cold working. These gave me a chance to see first-hand a range of traditional and innovative techniques in glass working. I also heard talks by artists from around the world exposing me to new thinking and ideas in glass art.”
She added: “Overall the conference provided me with an invaluable opportunity to network with artists from around the world as well as talk to and observe some brilliant artists demonstrating specific techniques and creative processes.
“I would like to thank the Futures Fund and its donors for providing me with this invaluable opportunity.”