BARRY FAIRBAIRN

Barry W Fairbairn has been working professionally in hot glass for twenty years . His work has been aquired by collectors around the world. Primarily focused on the functional , his work has also ran a gamut of sculptural forms , from figurative to mechanical . Production series have explored many different techniques as well as thematic colour forays. As an instructor on many different levels , he finds a particular joy in providing that initial spark that has lead many artists into their own love of the medium.

" I find it hard when asked what my favorite peice is to make . Years have gone by where the vessel was my deepest interest, then to be replaced by figurative or mechanical inspirations. Certain techniques hold my fancy for a while, then to be used in creating a unique form that has grabbed my interest. I guess my favorite part of it all is my love of the material and the fascination only liquid glass and all it's properties continue to have over me. Of course the day to day reality of making a living through my art is always there , it is the days where I play, that make me feel fortunate to be where I am."

"As an instructor , whether it be a beginner's class or as a tutor for a student struggling through a particulairly tough point, I love it when I communicate ideas that make them see the light. The joy that comes across a student's face when I know the've got it (by George), is when I feel satisfied as an instructor. Also the transfer of feelings and ideas between the student and myself is perhaps the biggest reason I continue to teach."

As a studio owner for 15 years Barry has seen the growth of Calgary's glass community change. Renting bench time to budding artists as well as being there to help out fellow artists in times of need is something that he feels is a duty and pleasure.