Internationally acclaimed Canberra-based glass artist transforms heartfelt memories into exclusive ‘Field of Poppies’ artwork

 Limited edition artworks available from Canberra Glassworks to commemorate Remembrance Day 2020

This month sees the launch of ‘Field of Poppies’, a limited-edition series of glass artworks created to commemorate Remembrance Day on 11 November 2020 and available exclusively from Canberra Glassworks. 

When Canberra’s award-winning glass artist Kirstie Rea was approached by the Glassworks to create an object of remembrance, she began a personal and creative journey that resulted in a unique commission titled a ‘Field of Poppies’.

Kirstie Rea, the winner of the 2019 Klaus Moje Glass Award, was inspired by her childhood memories of watching televised images of families visiting cemeteries full of white marble tombstones, where their fathers and grandfathers bravely fought at Gallipoli and on the Western Front.

Each of the exclusive ‘Field of Poppies’ artworks is made from layers of glass containing specks of red glass scattered throughout to symbolise both tombstones and poppies. At the base of the handheld piece is a small section which can be hand engraved with a personalised message of remembrance, for example the name of a loved one or an important date.

Each work is individually created and numbered and comes with a personally signed card wrapped together in a small section of 1942 grey blanket from the Second World War, nestled in a presentation box. 
 

 “I found an old blanket in my studio with the original tag still on it and realised it was from the 1940s. I thought it would add an authentic touch to the artwork, so I cut it up into small sections; every piece comes with its own piece of history,” said Kirstie Rea. 

Kirstie continued: “It is really important to keep your memories close to you and with this object you can hold it in the palm of your hand, have a sense of touch and hold it close to your heart. The glass responds to your body heat and its weight enables you to hold it close to you, as with all heartfelt memories.”

The Canberra-born artist holds this project very dear to her as the inspiration came from the memories of her Grandfathers’ experience in World War One.

Julie Skate, CEO of Canberra Glassworks, comments: “We are delighted to be collaborating with Kirstie on her ‘Field of Poppies’ artworks. It provides the opportunity for people to own a unique and exquisite glass artwork to remember someone close to their heart.”
 

The limited-edition ‘Field of Poppies’ artworks have a RRP of $240 and can be pre-ordered by visiting https://canberraglassworks.com/field-of-poppies 

For interviews with Kirstie Rea or Julie Skate or for more information, please contact Emma Kirkaldy.