
Tracy Nicholls
Born: 1969
Hometown: London
Based in: Surrey
Born: 1969
Hometown: London
Based in: Surrey
Tracy Nicholls is a British artist working in kiln formed glass. Having discovered glass in 2003 at local evening classes, she progressed to UCA Farnham and completed her MA in Contemporary Craft – Glass, graduating with Distinction in 2009.
Tracy currently works from her studio in Surrey using predominantly opaque glass to create her intricate, sculptural pieces. Fascinated by erosion - of solid forms disintegrating over time, becoming ever more delicate and fragile while transforming into an absorbing lace like structure, she gravitates towards a simple monochrome colour palette, using light, shape and form to draw the viewer in.
In 2008 Tracy won ‘Best in Show’ at the British Glass Biennale and has continued to exhibit extensively in both the UK and Europe. In 2014 her work was included in Europe’s prestigious Coburg Glass Prize in Germany. It can be found in both private and public collections, including the National Museum of Scotland and the Marinha Grande Museum of Glass in Portugal.
What inspires you?
I am fascinated by erosion – of solid forms disintegrating over time and the continuing transformation into absorbing lace like structures as they become ever more delicate and fragile.
Describe your creative process.
I create designs and maquettes from doodles which I then construct in the kiln, adding and removing pieces until I am happy. Most pieces go on to be fired a further three times before finally being sandblasted to give them their matt surface.
What are 3 words that best describe your work?
Organic - Delicate - Meditative
What is the most important tool when creating your work?
My kilns.
Where do you go for inspiration?
Walking - on the beach, in the woods and local nature reserves or just around the streets.
1 Article
12 Female Sculptors You Should Know
September 21, 2023
Awards
Finalist Coburg Glass Prize
2014
Best in Show - British Glass Biennale
2008