Meet a Maker: Edition 31

Meet Elena Fleury-Rojo

1. What is your craft and how did you get into it?

I’m a glass artist specialising in flameworking. I’ve recently begun learning scientific glassblowing, as it naturally complements my practice and opens new possibilities. My glass journey started at university, where I studied glassblowing. In my second year I was offered a job at the Whanganui Glass School in New Zealand. While there, I discovered flameworking and completely fell in love with the technique. When I returned to the UK, I set up my business, Red Flower Glass.

2. What is one interesting fact about you?

I’m a trained diver with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors! Diving on coral reefs has given me a huge amount of inspiration for my work and the vibrant ecosystems I’ve seen underwater continue to influence my designs today.

3. How long have you been making?

For as long as I can remember! I’ve always been creative, even as a child, but I began my glass career after completing my degree in 2008.

4. Who are your favourite makers? 

My favourite flameworking artist is Simone Crestani – his technical skill and artistic vision are incredible. I was extremely lucky last year to have the opportunity to learn from him at his studio in Italy. It was an unforgettable experience.

5. What is the most challenging skill/technique you learned in your craft?

Over the years, I’ve steadily built my skill base – always working within the limits of the tools and equipment I’ve had access to. At the moment, I use a Nortel Minor torch, which has a relatively small flame. I feel I’ve reached the limits of what I can achieve with it, and my next challenge is to invest in a larger torch so I can begin creating hollow forms on a bigger scale.

Another ongoing challenge is combining scientific glassblowing techniques with artistic expression. It requires a deep understanding of precision-based processes while also pushing the material creatively – finding the balance between structural integrity and artistic ambition is something I’m constantly working on.

6. What is your favourite part of your craft? 

When I’m making, I feel completely free. I love the process of coming up with new ideas and challenging myself to recreate them in glass. It’s such an expressive material.

7. What project are you most proud of and why?

My Message in a Bottle series. Before starting that work, I was awarded a Developing Your Creative Practice grant from Arts Council England. With it I was able to invest in a larger kiln and a Smith Little torch for fine detail work, and I began learning the foundations of scientific glassblowing – an endangered craft. Combining these new tools and techniques allowed me to create something truly fresh and meaningful, marking the beginning of a new phase in my practice.

8. If someone who knows nothing about you or your practice could know one thing, what would it be?

That you will never get bored of glass. There’s always more to learn – it can take a lifetime to master. That’s what I love most about it. It constantly challenges me, and there’s always something new to explore.