Beate Einen

Glassblower

©Monica Johansen

Mesmerised by the magic of glass

Beate specialises in Swedish-style glassblowing
She creates bespoke and site-specific glass installations
She often combines blown glass with other techniques and materials

Having studied glass design and glassblowing in the UK, Sweden, France and the US, Beate Einen acknowledges the interplay of cultural influences in her work. “Scandinavia offers me the timeless simplicity of a minimalist language, while the English side gives a sense of flippancy,” she says. “I push the limits of the versatility of glass by combining blown glass with various materials.” Her work is not driven by technique, but by a search for the perfect form. “Studying glassblowing in Sweden, I watched the intricate teamwork between the designers and the specialised craftsmen of the Swedish glass factories. I was fascinated by how the complex and highly demanding aesthetics of glassblowing forged an unbreakable link between craft, design and art.”

Interview

Why glass?: I had never came across a material as challenging and difficult to master. Glassblowing is mesmerising. Seeing the glassblowers pull out honey-like melted glass from the red hot furnace and shaping it with their hands, with nothing but wet newspapers for protection, seems like magic.
How would you define what you do?: I am a glassblower, designer and artist. I love to make work that is not defined by one of these disciplines but rather is found somewhere in between. One of my projects can be an art installation or an art exhibition and the next can be a design commission. I love this variety.
What do you love most about your craft?: To be able to create. I find that being creative is the best way for me to deal with difficult thoughts and experiences. As with meditation and exercise, performing a craft has the power of placing the performer in a mental state of focus, which makes thoughts float and demolishes problems.
How long does it take to learn glassblowing?: It takes an average person about ten years to learn the basics. Some people are naturals, they might get there in half the time, but they might not get any better than those who endure. In this profession there are no shortcuts.

Beate Einen is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2007