Glass artist Tash Sim of Hakatere can turn colourful glass pieces into unique creations.
She specialises in bespoke glass sculptures, stained glass windows and art pieces made from recycled materials.
It’s been a passion since she took up the craft more than 25 years ago.
Her work has been exhibited this month at the art gallery at the Mount Hutt Memorial Hall in Methven.
It was her first solo exhibition, which closes today.
‘‘(It’s been) really good, amazing,’’ she said.
‘‘This is my first solo exhibition. It’s very cool, isn’t it.’’
Her work included colourful wall hangings, mirrors and floor standing creations in many designs waiting to catch the light.
Many were inspired from nature and her own life experiences.
‘‘I love the way glass speaks to me, through light and reflection, and I hope to share my passion for glass with the world.”
Her love of colour and nature is evident.
It is reflected in her work with a self-portrait titled, I am her, She is me and through creations using a mix of butterflies, deer and birds.
Sim was especially drawn to birds.
‘‘I just like how they seem like they’re free, they can just fly away.
‘‘Free.’’
Sim said the exhibition had given her greater exposure and, as a result nearly half her work had sold.
Her foray into glass art followed an apprenticeship as a glazier, which she finished in 2002.
It was then she fell in love with the trade and wanted to learn everything about glass, especially the creative side of it.
“My builder dad would often say, “get a trade, you can go anywhere in the world.’’
He was right.
She eventually travelled overseas and, on her return in 2012, set up Throwin’ Shapes Glass.
‘‘TS, Throwin’ Shapes, TS, Tash Sim.
‘‘Throwin’ Shapes like throwing out the good energy in glass.
‘‘Not many people understand it, but it’s kinda cool.’’
Sim says stain glass windows were her favourite medium.
And such a piece already features prominently in Methven, on the stain glass window at the front of Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church.
Originally made of sandblast and paint, the colour of the paint had worn off, Sim said.
She was tasked with bringing back to its former glory by town stalwart Viv Barrett.
Its 20 panes were constructed off site.
It took 501 hours of work, made up of 1600 pieces of glass held in by a frame of lead; 90kg of lead in total.
Over the years, Sim has won a few awards through the Ashburton Society of Arts and been guest artist at Hakatere Ceramics & Pottery show in Ashburton and at the Aigantighe Art Gallery in Timaru.
‘‘I’m slowly getting out there, but very excited about the solo exhibition.’’
