North Lands Creative Glass Appoints New Artistic Director

16th January 2016

The Board of North Lands Creative Glass is delighted to announce the appointment of Jeffrey Sarmiento as Artistic Director from 1 October 2016. He will succeed Emma Woffenden on the completion of her inspiring three-year term of office, culminating in North Lands 20, the anniversary celebration of its first master class and conference in 1996.

Dr Sarmiento is currently Reader in Glass at the University of Sunderland, where he was awarded a PhD in 2011. Educated at the Rhode Island School of Design, he has worked internationally as a Fulbright Fellow in Denmark, a Visiting Artist at UrbanGlass, and an instructor at Pilchuck Glass School. Known for his artwork exploring cultural identity and the graphic image in glass, he won the International Glass Prize 2012 at Glazenhuis, Belgium and his recent solo exhibition at National Glass Centre in Sunderland toured to Bullseye Projects, USA. His collaborative work was also included in Glasstress Gotika at the 56th Venice Biennale.

Looking forward to the possibilities of adventure, learning, and collaboration in a unique landscape, Sarmientos vision for a three-year directorship incorporates the natural, cultural and historical qualities of the locale into a dynamic programme at North Lands Creative Glass.

Jeffrey Sarmiento said - I think you could consider me a latecomer to the North Lands scene, having heard of it nearly a decade ago when I first moved to the UK. I had my first experience of the place just last year on a friendly visit to the artists Michael Endo and Emily Nachison. I was to return in few weeks as a student in Petr Stanickys class, the Genius Loci of Place. Through quite a few hikes through the surrounding area, some in glorious sunshine and others a trudge through soggy and bleak cliffs, I found the place both compelling and challenging, and in response I made one of my most viewed artworks, though it was installed only three days. Tethering was included in New Glass Review in 2015. If a couple of weeks on the edge of the world can do this for me I am sure it can be a place that inspires others.

This job promises some new challenges for me and I am looking forward to seeing how I can bring together my international experience and connections, as well my ongoing post at National Glass Centre to build on the unique offer at North Lands. I am hoping all my glass-making colleagues come to visit!

Scotlands centre of excellence in glass making - North Lands Creative Glass

Located in the wild and dramatic landscape of Caithness on the North East Coast of Scotland, North Lands Creative Glass is one of the worlds most prestigious centres for the study and development of glass as an art form, providing excellent facilities, opportunities and inspiration to artists working with glass from all over the world.

We run a programme of activities including master classes and symposia with renowned artists, glass skills classes, artist residencies, beginner workshops and community programmes. Our ethos is to encourage and support collaboration and experimentation between artists working across different media to extend the possibilities in the creative use of glass. Our international conference explores expansive themes around glass, contemporary art and craft, historical and social influence and local culture in a unique Highland setting.

In 2016, North Lands Creative Glass celebrates 20 years of experimenting with glass and connecting with the world from a remote Scottish village.

PHOTO
Jeffrey Sarmiento with Tethering, hot and flameworked glass, made during Petr Stanicky's Masterclass at North Lands, 2014. Phototgrapher - Angus Mackay Photography