In this exclusive interview, where we pull back the curtain on the creative minds transforming spaces. Ready to dive into the world of design? Join us as we explore the artistry, technique, and vision that goes into every piece, one designer story at a time.
In this edition of Behind the Weave, we sit down with glass artist Andrea Spencer, whose work is as fluid and evocative as the coastal landscape that surrounds her. Based on the rugged North Antrim coast of Northern Ireland, Andrea draws daily inspiration from the ever-changing tides, weathered textures, and quiet rituals of the natural world. Her deep connection to the sea resonates with us, as we too find inspiration in coastal rhythms and the way nature shapes design, reminding us why we create to unwind.
What does the sea, or nature more broadly, mean to you personally?
Living on the wild and rugged North Antrim coast means the sea is always with me, a constant, grounding presence. Our home and studios are nestled in a remote pocket of open fields and farmland, just minutes from the Causeway coastline. This proximity gives me the rare luxury of daily immersion in nature. From my windows, I look out onto vast green spaces and ever-changing skies. Sometimes, if the wind is just right, I can even hear the distant sound of waves from my doorstep.
I’m especially drawn to the coastline in the twilight hours. There are certain places I return to over and over, yet they never feel the same. The sea here is never fully familiar. With the shifting tides, the phases of the moon, and the changing seasons, it’s a place of constant transformation. That wild, restless energy, its chaos, its beauty, feeds my soul and shapes my work.
Can you describe your creative process, from idea to finished piece?
For me, it's all about process. I usually begin by collecting natural specimens—stones, seaweed, seed pods—and laying them out in the studio. From there, I often move straight into working with glass. Using flame to shape molten glass feels a lot like drawing, only with heat and gravity as collaborators.
In the studio, my collections of natural objects, hand-drawn sketches, bits of text, and even manmade remnants all begin to layer and converse with one another. Sometimes, these materials sit around for years before finding their place in a finished piece. The studio becomes its own living environment, an ever-shifting installation of objects, thoughts, and memories.
I rarely know exactly what I’m going to make. Often, I’ll pick up something half-finished or previously cast aside and start from there. At other times, I’ll respond directly to a found object, trying to capture the essence of its form, colour, or texture. There’s usually a narrative running in the background of my mind, and I like to believe it finds its way into the final piece, even if it's not immediately visible to others. The objects become symbols, in a way, fragments of feeling, story, or memory.
Do you see your work as purely aesthetic, or does it carry something more emotional or ritualistic?
These days, my work and daily life feel deeply intertwined. The two are no longer separate. There’s definitely something emotional and ritualistic about the way I work. The pull to cross the meadow from our house to the studio is strong, it’s almost a sense of duty more than desire, most days. I’ve created little rituals to keep myself motivated and grounded, and discipline plays a big part in that. My partner is also an artist and incredibly disciplined, which definitely keeps me on my toes and stops me from lingering in bed too long!
Does your work help you find calm or stillness?
Absolutely. Working with molten glass is a very intimate and meditative process. The material is constantly responding to heat and gravity, and I have to meet it with intuition and timing. It’s a solitary practice, and I often find myself completely lost in the rhythm of it. In that way, it becomes a form of moving meditation.
What’s the most meaningful response you’ve received about your work?
From time to time, people reach out through email or Instagram to say thank you. They tell me how my work moved them or brought back a memory. Sometimes it’s a reminder of days spent collecting mermaid’s purses or walking along the shore with someone they loved. That kind of message is deeply meaningful to me. It reminds me why I keep doing what I do. It makes it all make sense.
Do you have a small ritual or object that helps you unwind?
Unwinding doesn’t come naturally to me, but I do make a point of visiting the coastline often. Keeping an eye on the tides helps. I especially love being at the shoreline at low tide, ideally in the water. That’s a ritual in itself. Walking the same path again and again on consecutive days, at the same time has also become something I do to quiet my mind. There’s something profoundly calming about that repetition.
To explore more of Andrea’s work, visit andreaspencerglass.com and follow her on Instagram @andreaspencerglass for a closer look at her process, inspirations, and new pieces as they emerge from the flame.
