Agapanthus and Lavender Bowl

By Joanna Lloyd- ‘When I was a child, my mum started collecting glass paperweights from Murano. Towing a caravan, we drove over the Alps to Venice a number of times so she could visit the Island and see the glass being made. It must have had an impact on me. Initially, I was an archaeologist and then moved into town planning and landscape architecture – this paid the bills, but my first love was rowing. I spent many years training and competing at elite level in sculling and rowing. Only when I slowed down to have children did I begin a more creative journey. I have made things all my life – and although I tried many different materials - once I tried glass I knew it was for me. Moving out of London opened some opportunities. When my mum was diagnosed with a neuro-degenerative disease I realised I had to grab those opportunities and my glass voyage began. I went back to university to study glass part time. In 2013 I graduated with a first class honours and went on to take the MA course, graduating 2015. I was lucky enough to be selected for the prestigious national exhibition of emerging artists “Rising Stars” twice, in 2015 and 2016. I was also able to extend my stay at university by being selected to be Artist in Residence for 2016-17, which helped me to develop my work & glass skills further.’