Interview with: David Perry
David Perry of David Perry Glass Ceramics is a Cornwall based, glass ceramicist, potter & artist. David has been producing intricate art pieces using fused glass, as well as creating the quirkiest ceramic homeware pieces working from his self-built home studio in Penryn. David uses kiln-formed glass to create cool and bold coloured checkered pieces ranging from bowls, coasters, placemats to the raddest of game boards. Each of his pieces has been meticulously handcrafted using a variety of techniques, some of which include hand-rolling/slab building, hand-cutting glass, glass powder fusing, enamel painting and vitrigraph pulling. David’s inspiration comes from life on the Cornish coast and his vibrant discoveries as a professional Scuba Diver. We discuss David’s typical day in the studio, what keeps him motivated, a recent collaboration with Glassette, his hobbies outside of glass making & David shares some advice for anyone wanting to start up a craft business..
Hi David! Tell us about your background & when, who or what inspired you to begin making glass ceramics?
Hi there! My background has always been around business studies and I.T. based work until 2017 when I took part in a fused glass workshop, I was hooked, and now work full-time as a fused glass artist.
Tell us one random fact about you…
I am a qualified professional Padi Divemaster Scuba Diver.
Can you describe your design style? How do you choose the colour palettes?
My design style? Well, um seems that chequered squares have taken over everything I do. I originally started using just white with one colour to contrast, but my Instagram followers are always amazing and creative at suggesting colour combinations. After creating a colour combination, it comes down to science, as not all colour combinations work together in glass due to some of the raw ingredients reacting with each other during the fusing process.
What does a typical day in the studio look like…
Squares, squares and more squares! Did I mention squares!? After planning what needs to be made and fits within the kiln space, the next task is hand cutting hundreds of squares. I stack the square into small piles and hand clean every single one as they are placed on their clear glass base inside the kiln. It takes time and patience to ensure the squares are linear on every item I make.
What is the least & most enjoyable part of the glass making process for you?
I think the least enjoyable part is having to wait a very long eighteen hours for the kiln to heat up and cool down before I can view the glass pieces; it would be wonderful if the glass melted and cooled while I am having a cuppa.
As for the most enjoyable part – well (apart from seeing peoples Insta posts when the receive and share pics) then it must be opening the kiln and seeing how things have fused together. It is like opening presents on Christmas day but nearly every day.
Are there any materials that you haven’t worked with yet, that you’d like to try?
I have dabbled a little with clay for the pottery side of things and recently purchased a pottery wheel and hand built a small workshop for it in the back garden, so I can use this amazing material even more. However, glass blowing is something I would like to try at least once.
Do you have a favourite piece/or collection you've made?
I enjoy working with glass powders (as a change from the glass sheets I use for most items), as I can blend and layer colours in various ways and even create crackle effects, or coral like artwork.
What keeps you going/motivated when you work?
Alexa (and her interpretation of my requests which is an ongoing battle) and lovely cups of Teapigs Tea.
Glassette Editions X David Perry collaboration ‘CHEQUERBOARD COLLECTION’
You did a collaboration with Glassette - would you like to do more collaborations in the future, and is there anyone in particular you’d like to partner with?
Glassette has been amazing since they launched in October 2021 and they really do keep me busy. As everything is handmade and the kiln can only create a certain amount of glass work per day, it limits growth – but working with Glassette, in addition to my own website, keeps me content and very busy indeed.
Aside from glass making, you also have a background in photography and you've also recently ventured into clay ceramics - would you like to explore more of those areas in the future?
Yes to both. I enjoy photographing the Cornish coast and use my skills for product photography, but I am always looking for new opportunities. I have built myself a pottery workshop and looking forward to exploring clay ceramics in between fusing glass.
What do you get up to in your spare time?
I also life model! Yes, that one where you hold a pose and people (usually strangers) draw you nude. Drawing or painting the human form is one of the oldest known arts in the world.
What is it like?
My neighbour helps organise local life modelling evenings and after chatting over my new kiln (it had just been delivered and was in the road between our houses), she invited me along. My first session was to draw and create art myself and I mentioned that it was on my bucket list to try modelling. On week two the model cancelled, and I stepped in! It is very liberating, and the artists are very professional and respectful. The rooms are usually lovely and warm, and it feels comfortable; I always focus on staying still and finding something to look at other than the artists – easy peasy! Best part is catching a glimpse of the artists sketches and their creativity.
What is your favourite ’sweet’ thing and why?
Dark Chocolate Cake with double cream – and why? Because its indulgent and not too sweet!
Do you have any advice for anyone looking to start their own craft business?
Starting your own craft business for the first time can be very daunting. Believing in yourself and your products gives you the drive to keep going, good photography helps, as does knowledge of social media, and making it as easy as possible for customers to find and buy your products.
Why did you choose Cornwall as your home & any places you would recommend to visit in Cornwall?
That’s an easy one to answer; my girlfriend lives in Cornwall, so it didn’t take much persuading for me to quit my job in Cheltenham and move to this lovely part of the country. As for places to visit – there are loads of gorgeous beaches and all within 30min drive south, east or west. Praa Sands, St.Ives, Falmouth, St Michaels mount, Godrevy are just a few.
What are your plans for the rest of the day?
Well… as of writing this, I am about to finish packing as off to London in the morning to meet the Glassette founders Laura Jackson and Dan Crow along with other Glassette vendors. We talk on Instagram but I am looking forward to meeting everyone in person (may have a few drinks too) 😊
