A Dubai resident for six years, Kenyan artist Suzan Gathoni specializes in glass engraving. Trained in Kenya with a British Master Glass Engraver and a member of the Guild of Glass Engravers, Gathoni is now a freelance artist participating in the ARTE markets.
Gathoni specializes in the technique of intaglio engraving, which she explains is the art of hand sculpting a three-dimensional design on to a glass surface, creating a negative image. As the light falls and plays on the deeply carved designs, the image appears as though it is in relief.
Gathoni’s glass engravings
Safety precautions are vital to the engraving process as the glass dust is dangerous to inhale. Gathoni advises “using water during the process as engraving should not be done on dry glass. The work area should be kept humid at all times, preventing the glass dust to dry.”
Gathoni at work
Nature and culture are Gathoni’s biggest inspirations. Her work regularly features wild animals from her native Africa. Liking Dubai and its people and cultures more each year, she feels motivated to expand her horizons, which is why you will see local UAE designs incorporated into her engravings.
With both locals and expats buying her works, Gathoni believes ARTE has given her good exposure, saying that “It is amazing how Dubai people love handmade things.”
Follow her Facebook page and visit her table at this weekend, Saturday 20th December, at the ARTE market in the Arabian Center, Mirdif. Click here for the location map.
Images courtesy of Suzan Ghatoni.
Reblogged this on Art&About and commented:
Here is an article I wrote for the ARTE blog:
Hi Suzan,
Good day to you !
Need to know more about this …
I was in Nairobi for some time , at present in india …
Thanks
Kashyap Bhatt
Hiya Kashyab, if ever you travel to Dubai please pop into the ARTE markets. Check out our website for the dates and locations: http://www.arte.ae. It was nice to hear from you.
Hello Suzan
Your work looks wonderful.
Can you recommend other good Glass engravers based in Kenya? I would like to support them by selling their goods if the quality is high enough through my shop here in Kenya.
Your recommendation would be appreciated.
Many thanks
Caroline
Hi Caroline, if you want to contact Suzan you can check out the link to her facebook page at the bottom of the article and message here there. Thanks for your interest.
Dear Susan,
Greetings. This is Ronald from Bonsai n Gardening. I met you after long, on d last day of Arte market.
I wanted some technical guidance on d drill bits for my semi precious Jewellery.
Wishing you a lovely year ahead
Warm Regards
Ronald
Hi Ronald, thanks for your comment. Unfortunately Suzan won’t see it here but you can contact her via her Facebook page linked in the article.