Fiona Byrne

Glass sculptor

©AEB Photography

©William Croall

©Seamus Flanagan

©Lorenzo Tonti

Inviting infinite interpretation

Fiona makes glass sculptures exploring body, material and place
She enjoys working with others to expand her comfort zone
Her pieces suggest interconnected ways of being

Irish glass sculptor Fiona Byrne first encountered glassblowing during a course in which she was captivated by the interplay of fire, heat and material. After graduating in 2009, she spent three years honing her craft in a glass studio before pursuing a Master of Arts and a PhD in creative fields. After years of working in the creative sector without actively making, she reignited her passion for glass in 2020 during the Covid-19 lockdown. "I began to sculpt with wax, salt and sugar in my kitchen," Fiona recalls. These simple creations, reminiscent of pâte de verre, inspired her to experiment with the medium again. Borrowing kilns from friends, Fiona gradually returned to glass making. Today, she creates intricate glass sculptures which look at the connection between body, material and object. She invites open interpretation, offering a range of narratives depending on the viewer's perspective. This approach reflects her interest in how knowledge is collectively constructed through shared experience.

Interview

©Seamus Flanagan

Could you describe your creative process?: I often start without a clear idea of the final result, though I always have a clear sense of the atmosphere or message I want to convey. I conduct thorough research, such as visiting relevant locations. For my Bodies of Knowledge series, inspired by naturalist Annie Massy, I travelled to the places she had lived and studied, helping me form a connection with her work.
What are your sources of inspiration?: I find inspiration in sites of knowledge, be that museums or active ecosystems. Living near the sea, I am drawn to vastness and expansive places. I am interested in ritual and how we use objects as signifiers. My work is about embodied interactions between people and materials.
Are there any recurrent themes or messages in your works?: I often focus on creating body-scale objects. I want to convey ideas about knowledge—where it is valued or lost. I also like to embrace uncertainty—seeing the world with an understanding that between knowing and uncertainty there is potential, discovery, new ways of being.
Do you think your craft is endangered in Ireland?: I think glass blowing is particularly at risk. There is no longer a college offering this course of study, meaning there are no recent graduates. Many past graduates have move abroad for opportunities. We really need more support for glass in Ireland.

Fiona Byrne is a rising star: she began her career in 2019 and she started teaching in 2024