As our Design Ireland exhibition draws to a close, we catch up with Scott Benefield of BTU Studio to discuss his modern take on traditional Murano glassware.
Artist, educator and writer, Scott Benefield’s work descends from the Venetian traditions of glassblowing, which utilise the materials most essential aspects of transparency, saturated colours and fluidity. Working from his studio in Randalstown, Co. Antrim, each piece is made using the ancient process of caneworking to add intricate patterns and stripes to blown glass.
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Tell us about the first piece you ever made?
The first successful piece of production ware that I designed and made was for a company called Studio Inferno, which was based in New Orleans, Louisiana. I was one year out of school and it was a very simple vase that became the mainstay of that production line for the next eight years.
Where did you study or learn your craft?
I received an MA from Ohio State University in glass, but most of the real technical study came from working with masters from Murano in various workshop settings: in Venice, but also at summer programs in the States specializing in glassblowing (Pilchuck Glass School, Haystack Mt. School of Crafts, Penland School of Crafts).
Tell us about your design process, how do you get started?
Designs tend to evolve from previous successful designs—a line of pouring bowls descended from the success of a line of small jugs, for instance. There’s always a good percentage of new designs in each year’s line, so that’s a constant process.
What is the inspiration behind your work?
I look for inspiration at tableware in other media, historical work, studio glass from around the world, etc.
Do you have a design hero that influences your work?
Archimede Seguso, who was my teacher’s maestro on Murano back in the 1950s. He was very skilled, very inventive, very successful and he worked in his studio into his nineties.
Do you have a preferred material or process?
I use traditional Venetian cane techniques that were first developed in the early 16th century on Murano.
What will you be doing as part of Design Ireland at Heal’s?
Since demonstrating glass blowing at Heal’s isn’t practically possible, I have to limit myself to supplying them with a range of work from my current line.
Why do you think events such as this are important in promoting Irish design?
I think it keeps the best work in the field in front of the public and helps displace the cliched images of Irish design as claddagh rings and tweed caps. There’s a misconception that, in general, visual arts don’t flourish here; but I’ve been consistently impressed with the quality of contemporary craft and design in particular.
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If you’d like to take home one of Scott’s stunning pieces of modern glassware, visit the Design Ireland exhibition at our Tottenham Court Road store. To keep up to date with our busy calendar of demos, workshops and talks make sure to check our events page by clicking the button below.