Nerjit Dhol

I studied at Buckinghamshire College and the International Glass Centre where I was privileged to have influential glass artists Bob Crooks, Catherine Hough and Kalim Afzal as my tutors. Together they taught me to highlight and bring forward the best qualities in an object or design, creating harmonic and strong designs that are made with integrity.

The inspiration for my glassmaking has evolved from the nature of the material itself. Its qualities are unlike any other material. My enthusiasm for glass has led me to explore all glass techniques. I have specialised in hand blown glass as this is the most demanding skill to master. Having become highly skilled in this area I then started to combine blown glass with kiln-formed glass, stained glass and cold worked glass.

Pattern, texture and water are some of my main influences and these are apparent in my designs. Past projects have had diverse inspirational sources including Indian patterns, flowers, geology and the seasons. The design always comes first with no consideration given to the making until it is time. That way my skills are continuously challenged.   The entire process is carried out by hand. Shaping and finishing by hand calls for a high level of expertise. This often results in products having small individual differences; this is all part of the charm of glass. I produce production pieces and exclusive one-offs. My work has naturally developed from being an interior accessory to large-scale installation.