Based on the rugged North Yorkshire coast in Whitby, Joanne Kenny is a glass artist whose work is a profound exploration of the intersection between the molten fluidity of the furnace and the tactile mysteries of the shoreline. With a career spanning over four decades, Joanne’s practice is defined by a deep-rooted connection to the sea—an affinity born during her childhood in Redcar and refined through years of technical mastery. Joanne’s academic journey began at Sunderland University, where she graduated in 1986 with a BA (Hons) in Glass and Ceramics. Her early career saw her honing her craft in prestigious studios across London and Leerdam in the Netherlands, before she eventually returned to the North to establish her own creative voice. Inspiration & The "What Lies Beneath" SeriesHer current body of work, the acclaimed 'What Lies Beneath' series, was born from the quiet contemplation of the Covid-19 lockdowns. During this time, Joanne revisited the simple, childhood joy of "poking around" in the rockpools of Whitby. Her glass captures that sense of discovery—the moment a pebble is turned to reveal a hidden world of vibrant colour and intricate texture. 'You cannot just leave these pieces on a table to look pretty. You need to handle them, turn them, and peer inside to truly see what is there.' Technique & CollaborationJoanne’s process is a balance of intense heat and precision cold-working. While she creates the initial forms at the furnace, she frequently collaborates with the renowned Scottish glass cutter Gordon Taylor. Together, they push the boundaries of traditional glass cutting; Gordon adapts his meticulous technical skills to follow Joanne’s organic, fluid shapes, resulting in sculptural vessels that demand to be touched. Medium: Hand-blown lead glass, often cold-cut and polished.Themes: Marine biology, coastal erosion, and the nostalgia of the British seaside.Aesthetic: A juxtaposition of smooth, translucent surfaces and rugged, carved textures. Joanne’s work invites the viewer to slow down and engage in a tactile dialogue with the material, mirroring the meditative state of the beachcomber. Her pieces are held in private collections across the UK and Europe, celebrated for their ability to bottle the ethereal beauty of the North Sea.