Meet the Artist – Mandy Treptow

What type of art work you do?

I make fused glass work such as bowls, coasters and jewellery items. I also specialise in personalised gifts for weddings, new babies and special occasions.

How did you come to be doing this type of work?

A Stained Glass module was offered as part of my undergraduate degree in Art for Community. I enrolled out of curiosity and fell in love with the medium. After my degree I wanted to find out more and did a four-week-taster session in Fused Glass, Casting and Slumping and got so hooked that I enrolled in a year-long NOCN Level 2 evening course in Studio Glass at Richmond College and completed this. Sadly, like many glass courses up and down the country, the course is threatened to be closed so if you are interested visit www.racc.ac.uk.

Where did you train / develop your work?

I completed a BA in Art for Community & Cultural Studies and later an MRes in Art Studies at Roehampton University. As mentioned above I then went on to complete a NOCN Level 2 course in Studio Glass.

What can visitors to your open house look forward to?

Fused glass work by myself such as bowls, coasters and jewellery items such as rings, necklaces and cufflinks. I will also have some watercolours for sale as well as some greeting cards with images of some of my paintings. But that’s not all – we will have work by Fabric Nation, LouLouWorkshop, Amelia Critchlow and Chocolate Creative. We’ll have Lucky Bags for the first 20 visitors, Homemade Cakes, Bunting and Brooch Making every weekend (from 2pm). Don’t miss it!

What new projects do you have planned next?

My current project is our beautiful baby daughter that was born earlier this year! However I continue to sell my work at the global Etsy network of all things handmade and will expand the range on offer there in the coming months.

And finally, do you have any exhibitions planned?

I have teamed up with Fabric Nation and together we will be exhibiting at “Sparkle – Contemporary Craft Fair” at the Landmark Arts Centre in Teddington on 21 & 22 November 2009. There will be Fabric Nation’s trademark items made of vintage fabric as well as my own work and Christmas gift ideas. The first 20 customers to our stall each day will receive a Lucky Bag and you can try your luck on our singing, ringing tree! Be sure to pay us a visit!

Thank you.

Mandy’s work will be on display at venue 70 in the brochure.