Artist Bio
Jason McAnuff (b.1985, Sheffield, UK) is a glass artist and recent MA (Visual Practice) graduate from the University of Sunderland. Drawing inspiration from the behavioral differences between introverts and extroverts, Jason's artistic practice delves into the materiality of glass to craft narratives that embody the delicate dynamics of caution and risk-taking. Through his work, he seeks to challenge preconceived notions about the determinism of personality, inviting viewers to reflect on the thresholds of fragility and fortitude.
He completed a BA in Ceramics & glass at the University of Plymouth in 2021 where he was able to combine his interest in computer aided design (CAD) with traditional glassblowing to explore the visual properties of sound. His work has been featured in the Craft Magazine, showcasing his unique approach to bridging the digital to analog divide.
Jason is currently working as a glassblower at the National Glass Centre in Sunderland where he shares his passion for glass through public demonstrations.
Artist Statement
My work revolves around the themes of cognitive diversity, personality determinism and the behavioral differences between introverts and extroverts. I enjoy bridging both artistic and scientific concepts into a narrative that can then be developed and explored through the physical act of making. In my latest body of work, throughout the glassblowing process, I adopted a multi-faceted approach to explore the fluctuating dynamics between vulnerability and resilience, employing caution and risk-taking as a conceptual framework. This led me to brush up against some of the material limits of glass, especially regarding its fragility.
After questioning the what, how and why we protect things, whether that be the things around us in the physical world or the things within us in our inner worlds. Inevitable themes surrounding vulnerability and support structures emerged, which I then explored through a dialogue between materials. The inclusion of foam as a supporting conceptual material serves as a metaphorical anchor, emphasizing the importance of both seen and unseen structures in navigating the complexities of life.
Through the interplay of blown glass and foam, I craft narratives that embody the intricate dance between the fragile and the robust and the protected and the exposed. Together, these pieces invite viewers to explore the nature of risk taking, vulnerability, and the delicate balance between holding on and letting go.
Photo - John Dilworth
Photo - John Dilworth
Assisting Lucinda Robertson Photo - John Dilworth
National Glass Centre demonstration - Photo @shauna_p_photography
Thank you!