top of page
Search

One to Watch - Emma Rowe

  • 22 hours ago
  • 2 min read

Photos: Simon Bruntnell


A graduate of the Design Crafts BA (Hons) course at De Montfort University in Leicester, Emma Rowe creates striking blown-glass sculptures that capture the colour, movement and energy of rave culture.


Under the guidance of Head of Year Rajesh Gogna and glass specialist Edmund Byrne, Emma developed a bold graduate collection in which traditional glassblowing processes meet an expressive, contemporary approach to colour.


A beautifully chaotic approach to glass


Emma’s project immediately caught the judges’ attention through the vividness and unexpected intensity of its colour.


While glass is often associated with colour, Emma’s work pushes this much further. Multiple vibrant shades are warped and distorted together, spreading across the surface of each piece and creating a sense of energy and movement.


To achieve this effect, Emma used the traditional glassblowing technique of murrine, adding her own contemporary twist to create the beautifully chaotic patterns that define the collection.


Capturing the energy of rave culture


Colour sits at the very heart of Emma’s practice. It is both the main attraction of her work and the means through which its story is communicated.


Inspired by rave culture, dance and the atmosphere of live music, Emma wanted her glass sculptures to embody the vibrancy and energy found within these spaces. Intense, layered colours became the perfect way to translate the movement, excitement and sensory experience of music into a physical form.


Looking to the future


Over the next three years, Emma hopes to establish herself as a professional glassblower. Her ambition is to work in a hotshop, continue creating sculptural pieces and perform live demonstrations that allow audiences to experience the fascinating glassblowing process for themselves.


Emma’s favourite colour is yellow: an uplifting and energetic choice that feels perfectly suited to both her personality and her joyful creative practice.


Selected by the CIDA judges


Reflecting on being chosen as one of CIDA’s Ones to Watch, Emma said:

“Getting picked by the judges really is an indescribable feeling. It made me feel even more proud of my work because the intention of catching people’s eyes through colour was a success.
“It brings me so much joy to talk about my work and put a smile on people’s faces. I couldn’t be more grateful to have caught the judges’ attention and to have had the opportunity to speak with them.”

Discover more from Emma


Instagram: @em.blows.glass

bottom of page