Glint Glass Studio: Circular Economy Reusing Glass Materials

Event Information

Glint Glass studio is creating something new while making use of waste. Looking to expand the glass community by educating and providing experiences to people who want to learn about glassmaking, the glass school started by offering a variety of glassmaking classes for complete beginners. A simple glass became the cornerstone of the project. Through making a basic beaker, many skills can be learnt.

Alongside classes, Glint makes a range of glassware to suit the contemporary home that is conscious of the environment and their community. Their range of glasses that are versatile for use from morning to evening are sold online and through craft shops nationwide. Made from waste material, gathered locally, they are remade into a usable or saleable objects using new found skills. The production of an object brings many processes that affect the environment. The designer, but also the producer, must take responsibility for the object created. A responsibility that involves not only the production phases, but also how that product will be marketed, shipped, how long and how it will be used and, very importantly, disposed of. Each of these phases must be designed to minimise the impact on the planet.

Their need to be conscious of the environment and their impact on climate change is the baseline for their design choices. Sustainability of practice as well as of material is fundamental to their business. As a circular economy project, reclaiming waste materials, introducing new skills, building awareness of their waste, can be part of changing the global climate picture.

Biographies

Róisín de Buitléar is an artist and educator. She has been working in glass since 1983 drawing her inspiration from her cultural heritage. With a diverse practice spanning architecture, sculpture, design and site-specific installations, her work can be seen in public and private buildings throughout Ireland. Her artwork is represented in national collections in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Britain, Japan, China and USA. Large scale installations and temporary projects working with the environment and local communities are an important element of her practice.

Sinéad Brennan is an Irish glass artist and art educator. She graduated from the National College of Art and Design in Dublin in 2012 with a BA (Hons) in Art and Design History and Craft Design and went on to receive a Professional Diploma in Art and Design Education from NCAD in 2014. Sinéad serves as Education Officer on the Board of the Glass Society of Ireland and is Co-founder of Glint Glass Studio.