Meet the Maker... Llewelyn Ash
Haze Pendant Light in clear.
With a background in printmaking and etching, designer Llewelyn Ash has transferred his love of graphic line to his glass practice. Designing the Haze Pendant Light for jam Australia, we sit down with Llewelyn to discuss his creative practice and what Australian design means to him.
Can you tell us a bit about your background?
I grew up in Kangarilla on a small hobby farm called Hunny Hum Farm with two other families. I was surrounded by art as my Mum and Dad (Janet Ayliffe and Glen Ash) and Margie Sheppard, another mum on the farm are all practicing artists.
I have been working in glass since 2008, learning to blow at the University of South Australia, being guided and mentored by Gabriella Bisetto. Prior to discovering glass I painted and created etchings from drawings, which I later brought into glassmaking by incorporating printmaking designs onto glass using the graphic qualities of line to express ideas.
I completed the two year Associate Training Program in JamFactory’s Glass Studio in 2013 alongside Liam Fleming and George Aguis. I now work as the Glass Studio Commissions Manager and manage my own production practice.
“The joy of glass is that there is always something to learn so I will never stop growing as a glass blower.”
Llewelyn at work in the JamFactory Glass Studio.
The Haze Pendant Light is mould blown to create its distinctive symmetrical shape. The aluminium mould is made in-house at JamFactory.
What drew you to working in glass?
The technical process and team work first drew me to glass. As a sports person, this is one of the most enjoyable parts of glass making. Glass can be very hard to learn, it took a long time to gain the skills and confidence to make a piece I was truly happy with. It wasn’t until later I discovered the beauty in the amazing shiny material. The joy of glass is that there is always something to learn so I will never stop growing as a glass blower.
You designed the Haze Pendant Light for the jam collection. What was your inspiration behind this piece? How do you approach the creation of a new object?
The Haze Pendant looks at dispersing light similar to a sun on the horizon. The use of matte and gloss surfaces creates warmth and ambient lighting. The shape is focused on reflection so the bottom contour mimics the top section. The mould for Haze has been designed in-house and made locally out of aluminium.
“The Haze Pendant looks at dispersing light similar to a sun on the horizon…. The shape is focused on reflection
so the bottom contour mimics the
top section.”
How do you like to wind down or spend your time when you’re not in the studio?
I surf, camp, garden with my chooks and spend time with family and friends. I have too many hobbies so life is always full and I have spent the last three years building a home studio, so I’m a busy bee.
The notion of an ‘Australian design aesthetic’ is varied and multifaceted. What does Australian design mean to you?
Australian design to me is creating beautiful objects from stories that are shaped and defined by many local and international influences. From design process and glass making techniques, through to material use and general aesthetics. We are a mash up of European and American influences.
The Haze Pendant Light in clear, sitting above the Luna Vase and Sit Stools at Lucias Pizza and Spaghetti Bar. Photo: Josh Geelen.
Llewelyn Ash
Commissions Manager of JamFactory’s Glass Studio, Llewelyn Ash creates striking glass forms, drawing upon his background in printmaking. Exhibiting nationwide, he was a finalist in the Australian National Glass Museum Student Award and Winter Lights exhibition at Federation Square. Llewelyn was also awarded the JamFactory Pilchuck Scholarship in Seattle and the Young Artist for Whyalla Art Prize, Brighton Sculpture Prize and Waterhouse Youth Art Prize.
@llewelyn_ash_glass
llewelynashglass.com
jam Australia furniture, lighting and accessories are available online and in store at JamFactory Adelaide and Seppeltsfield.