NED CANTRELL. Born in England in 1975. Lives and works in Ebeltoft, Denmark.
A graduate of the Surrey Institute of Art and Design in Farnham, UK, Ned Cantrell discovered glass while experimenting with ceramics and broken glass. Immediately intrigued by the reactions of this particular medium, he studied its physical properties. He then trained with several European master glassmakers and naturally became a glassblower.
Over the years, he immersed himself in a range of glass-blowing and hot-sculpting techniques, which he expresses in an eclectic and unique style.
Fascinated by pop art since childhood, he explores the contradiction by creating kitschy works of extreme finesse. Using symbols of popular culture and consumerism such as rubbish, tattoos and science fiction, Ned Cantrell creates a surprising and humorous universe.
DAMIEN FRANÇOIS. Born in 1979 in Reims, Marne. Lives and works in Mont-Saxonnex, Haute-Savoie.
Damien François's artistic work is based on his belief that he has never been confronted with the impossible. He discovered glass by chance during a trip to Norway in 2005.
With no previous training, he decided to stay in Scandinavia to observe the work of various master glassmakers, whom he assisted from 2006 to 2007.
He then joined the Danish School of Design - Centre for Glass and Ceramics - in Bornholm, before completing his training by working between 2010 and 2015 in a number of workshops in Europe and the USA.
Damien François focuses on the introspection of the material, exploring its physical properties and chemical reactions, both hot and cold, enabling him to master its delicate manufacturing technique. What drives him is to go with the material, to use its constraints rather than make it an obstacle. The shapes of the works in all her series are defined by the interplay of colours, the unveiling of materials, different textures, voids and reliefs....
His graphic and pictorial work is remarkable for its sobriety and minimalism.
