Abstract

Over the last 20 years the architectural glass field has developed from traditional stained glass to embrace new materials and processes. Over that time span, Cate Watkinson has created a body of public artworks that is part of that development and addresses current issues regarding the environment, using glass and light. Her work takes an original approach to the integration of sustainable design using recycled glass and the incorporation of photovoltaic cells and LED lights. It integrates new technologies with text, imagery and light to produce pieces with a unique visual aesthetic and involves new ways of working with the materials.

The proposed solo exhibition at the National Glass Centre in September 2013 presents this research and methods involved to develop the artworks for the public. The exhibition will take the form of a series of framed digitally printed images of her public artworks for example, ‘Total Policing’ , Northumbria Police Head Quarters, North Tyneside and new work for Leeds City Centre, ‘Warp and Weft’ featuring six illuminated laminated glass curves. These will be shown alongside design drawings and sketches of the works in development and three dimensional maquettes in glass, both to scale and actual size mock ups. For example, one of the actual glass curves from the Leeds public artwork.