Jo Downs - My Favourite Glass Artist and Inspiration

As a fused glass artist (or, as I prefer to call myself, a glass-thrower and kiln-wisher), I have a deep appreciation for those who manage to turn the humble craft of melting glass into a global phenomenon. Enter Jo Downs, the undisputed queen of fused glass, and one of my inspirations. Her name might not make your Cava cork pop, but in the world of art, she's practically royalty. So, how did this glass magician climb to the top?

A Spark of Inspiration (or, The Blob That Changed Her Life)

Like many great artists, Jo didn’t start with masterpieces. Her first attempt at fused glass? A "blob." Yep, just a lumpy mess of melted color. But rather than chucking it in the bin and heading to the pub, she fell in love with the process. There’s something comforting about knowing even the greats started with something that looked like it had been sneezed out of a kiln.

Her lightbulb moment came during her Art Foundation course at Leicester University, where a visiting lecturer introduced her to the magical, molten world of fused glass. Later, at Sunderland University, her tutor (clearly a visionary) nudged her to try glass work, recognizing her knack for color and texture. Spoiler: they were right.

Cornwall: A Muse That Keeps on Giving

Fast-forward to 2001, when Jo swapped the hustle of city life for the idyllic Cornish coast—a place so stunning it should come with a health warning for artists. The sea, the skies, the shifting sands; Cornwall isn’t just a place, it’s a never-ending mood board. This slice of paradise has seeped into her work, giving her pieces a color palette that screams "coastal chic." Blues, greens, and all the watery hues of the Cornish shoreline are her signature.

Diversity: From Tiny Trinkets to Titanic Commissions

One of Jo Downs’ secrets to success is her ability to make something for everyone. Got a tenner burning a hole in your pocket? You can grab a coaster or a cute glass hanging. Looking for a statement piece? She’s got jaw-dropping wall panels and art frames that’ll have your guests in awe. Want to splash serious cash? Her large-scale architectural projects, like glasswork for P&O cruise liners and JW Marriott hotels, are the epitome of opulence.

Her ability to cater to different tastes and budgets has made her work as accessible as it is aspirational. From individual buyers to big-name clients like the National Trust and the Eden Project, her reach is massive. And let’s not forget the galleries—she’s got six of them scattered across the UK, five in Cornwall and one for the posh folks in Sunningdale.

The Secret Sauce: Handmade Quality

What sets Jo Downs apart from the crowd is her dedication to craftsmanship. Every single piece is handmade, ensuring no two are identical. Whether you want a custom color palette or a specific size, she delivers quality that feels personal. That’s a rare thing in today’s world of mass-produced everything.

Why She’s My Hero & Inspiration

Jo Downs is proof that with a blob, a bit of bravery, and a boatload of passion, you can create something extraordinary. She’s not just a glass artist; she’s an inspiration to every one of us who has ever thrown something in a kiln and crossed our fingers. Her work is a reminder that success isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence, creativity, and a good dose of coastal inspiration.

So, here’s to Jo Downs—a glass artist who’s shattered expectations and pieced them back together in stunning, kaleidoscopic form. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to admire my latest “blob” and dream of the day I’ll have my own gallery.

And yes, there will be fizz. Always fizz.

These are images of Jo's work NOT mine. I'm sure she wouldn't mind given that I'm crediting her but if she does I will happily take them down.