ENGAGEMENT | Fiona Byrne

Fiona Byrne Workshop-Photo credit Seamus Flanagan_web.jpg

In my work as an educator/mediator I focus on facilitating participant centered, relevant and enjoyable experiences. My aim is to promote an increased understanding of creative practice with a focus on visual literacy and tacit knowledge. I have delivered workshops for various ages and abilities. I strongly believe everyone is creative.

Creative practices provide a wealth of experiences which can build resilient communities, nurture our minds, enable transformative actions and push boundaries.

Selected Projects

Private Workshops

In 2024 I started running private workshops at my studio in Wexford. If you would like to experience glass making in a small group or one-to-one session I can design a bespoke experience for your needs. I am also very open to visiting schools and other intuitions - Get in touch through my contact page.

Solifore Workshop - ECAL

Assistant for Solifore Workshop led by Philippe Malouin and ECAL Design. Students were tasked to design a vase for a single flower, working with the particular material qualities of traditional glass blowing.

Berlin GAS 2024

During the Glass Art Society Berlin, 2024. I was part of the Niesen Glass team managing the mobile furnace area. Here conference participants could experience hot glass and students from Weissensee Kunsthochschule came to make there design prototypes.

Things We Can Know Workshop

In 2024 as part of my Artists Residency with Farnham World Craft Town I ran a workshop with local makers. Here we designed our own tools from natural materials and used these to work on paper and clay. Using the visual language from the workshop I created works in glass and mixed media.

Design Circle, 2021-present

I am one of the designer makers working with Oide delivering DesignCIRCLE. The programme works with post-primary teachers to share their knowledge of design processes to apply in their working practices.

Wishing Bowls Workshop, 2022

Focused on the ancient technique of pâte de verre, this introduction to pâte de verre worked on small, delicate forms. The focus was on the process, starting from visual research through to a packed mould ready for the kiln. We made small but powerful vessels ready to hold intensions and help make wishes come true.

Collaborative Design in Glass, 2022

Assistant for Niesenglass Studio. Workshop led by renown designer Helena Tapajnova for the students of Masterstudio Design, Institute Contemporary Design Practices, FHNW University of Applied Arts, Basel Academy of Art and Design in Switzerland. The designed and protyped a large champagne fountain.

Contributor to Homo Faber Guide, 2020-present

Homo Faber guide, an online platform dedicated to the best of European craftsmanship. The guide allows you to discover artisans and their masterpieces; explore museums, visit galleries and shops selling unique objects; enjoy experiences in cities across Europe.

This is Glass!

This is Art Club!, showcased amazing art made by young people all over the country as well as in our studio. Filmed in the National College of Art & Design each week explored a different art material - I took part in the episode featuring glass, making sandcast moulds with TY students.