Shona Firman

My interest in vessels and water started in early childhood.
I can remember removing the bark from our tree tomato tree to make a canoe.
Since then I've lived on a yacht, sailed the pacific, and researched the seafaring culture of the South Pacific.
My sculptures reflect the histories of distant cultures, united by their relationship with the ocean. They pay homage to my Celtic heritage and the culture of my homeland, New Zealand.
They convey the idea of migration, narrative, and transportation of cultural beliefs and traditions. These sculptures allude to the importance of the sea in the practical and spiritual life of these cultures.
Glass with it’s colour, transparency and reflection is an ideal medium to express the essence of water and the spiritual nature of these vessels.
The lost wax casting process allows time to contemplate the development of the form and to push the technical boundaries. The tattooed patterns are individually carved into the wax and tell a story.