Floating Feathers

York College student, Suzanne Dekker, has won the Warm Glass UK Glass Prize 2008 (student catergory). Her winning art work, entitled ‘Hope’ features glass feathers floating in the air and communicates a special message. ‘Hope’ is currently on display in the college.

Suzanne (aged 42) is in the 2nd year of a BA Contemporary 3D Craft course at York College. She is also a mother of three and holds down an administrator’s job at the University of York. Her winning piece is the result of a project entitled ‘Discreet Messages’; communicating a message through a piece of art work. ‘Hope’ is a tribute to her late father, Pieter Dekker, who worked at York College in the motor engineering department for a number of years. Suzanne has written an artist statement which is displayed with her work. The discreet message is one of hope to people who have lost someone.

Says Suzanne: “I was amazed to win this prize and I will put the winnings towards buying my first glass kiln. My Dad was a huge creative influence on me, and I see his creativity running through the family. My seventeen year old daughter, Danielle, is also at York College studying for a National Diploma in Contemporary Crafts.

As a result of enjoying various art & design evening classes at York College my tutors encouraged me to embark on the degree course, which I absolutely love. I hope to use my degree to progess my research in glass.”

Press Release: 12/02/09