This project attempts to capture and preserve my own personal connection to nature, and also to encourage others to reflect on their own relationship with the world around them. It is an invitation to slow down, observe, and appreciate the small details that often go unnoticed. The process began by documenting walks near my home in rural Louth, photographing and sketching the land and wildlife around me. These observations became the core references for my glasswork. The main material used in this piece is green flashed glass, a sheet of glass consisting of a thin layer of green on one side, and a clear layer of glass on the other. I chose to work with this type of glass in particular as it provides a rich shade of green which cannot be achieved with the use of enamels. Using a sandblaster along with an electric engraving tool, I removed layers of green to reveal the clear glass beneath. The glass was then fire polished to smooth out the engraved surface. I then painted the glass with vitreous paints, firing the glass in the kiln after each layer. This allowed me to build detail and depth within the piece. This project helped me reconnect with my environment. I became more deliberate with what I gave my attention to while also developing a deeper appreciation for the world around me.
