UGC’s Ian Hankey awarded first prize in the Glass Art Society VIRTUAL 2021 - Green Exhibition Award
The award was won in collaboration with Abigail Reynolds who entered her film ‘Flux’ for the prestigious US Glass Art Society Award. Abigail very kindly asked for Ian to receive the award for the technical work he did in August 2019, melting glass using only sand and seaweed, and working it in a furnace he built at the Kestle Barton site, near the beach in Cornwall.
http://www.kestlebarton.co.uk/arts-and-events/abigail-reynolds-estover/
Left to Right, Abigail Reynolds, Ian Hankey and Amy Whittingham
“It’s rare for artists to promote the work done behind the scenes of an art project. I’m thankful to have been put forward for this award by Abigail, who recognises the importance of the knowledge and skill that went into the technical aspects of her project. It is the Artwork that Abigail conceived and created that truly won this award, and I feel lucky to have played a part in what she has accomplished. I am very proud to accept this award on behalf of myself, fellow glass technician and artist Amy Whittingham, and of course Abigail, along with everyone who played a part in this project”
Ian Hankey
Watch the film Flux, by Abigail Reynolds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUTWumhyN6o&t=17s
Sheet glass made from sand and seaweed.
Cutting bracken on Dartmoor. History, heritage and a circular economy.
On Sunday 22nd August, Andy Bradford and Ian Hankey cut bracken destined for the production of glass, recreating a method used on Dartmoor in the 17th century.
Ian was imagining working for days cutting the plants using a heavy strimmer, or even a traditional scythe.
Of course, Andy has the experience, knowledge and equipment to make short work of the job, bailing the bracken once it’s been cut and left to dry. He can also manage the process, ensuring that we don’t affect the ecology of the farm negatively, cutting enough for our needs while ensuring enough is left for next year’s crop.
This is a wonderful example of a local circular economy, where businesses work sustainably together for their own benefit, for the benefit of the community, and the environment.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the glass we produce, and the wildflower meadows we will be creating as a consequence of our process”
Ian Hankey, founder and director, UGC.