|
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. |