Spotlight on: Paul van den Bijggart

We caught up with Paul van den Bijgaart, co-owner and artist at Bubble Baker, a designer-maker team creating innovative and finctional glassware.

His new work, Ink Series, is on at the Alberta Craft Gallery - Calgary Spotlight until August 22, 2020. Shop in-store and a selection online

Paul, what inspires you to make?

My inspiration for this body of work comes from my experiences of traveling throughout China. I've always been drawn to making functional work and the range of work for this exhibition comes from learning a new language and the idioms associated 一鼓作气 yi gu zuo qi was the inspiration for the carafe and cups that I made which is an ancient Chinese Idiom. I'm also entranced by the Chinese tea ceremony and the objects and rituals associated with it. The drawings are more closely related to how I've adapted my experience of Chinese culture to the way of life back in my hometown, as all of the plants I've chosen are edible plants that can be found in natural spaces within Edmonton.

Where did you learn your craft?

I've traveled to a variety of different locations to learn and hone my craft. I started at Red Deer College in 2007, studied at Haliburton School of the Arts in 2010, and graduated from Sheridan College in 2013. Since then I've also received scholarships to attend the Pilchuk Glass School, as well as taken classes at the Corning Museum of Glass. I'm currently enrolled at Sheridan College a second time to upgrade my education from a diploma to a degree and I have one year left.

So, being back at school, have you been experimenting or making discoveries with your work?

This past year returning to school has given me the opportunity to think more deeply about my artistic expression with the material of glass and how it relates to my philosophical view of the world. This has turned my focus towards adapting and creating new color techniques that are specific to my aesthetic and trying to mimic the spontaneous motion of flowing ink in hot glass.

How has your practice changed over time? Maybe recently during isolation, or over time.

My practice has changed quite a bit over the years. Starting out I feel as though a large portion of time - over the years - was dedicated specifically to learning technique and becoming proficient working with the material (glass). More recently I have been focused on developing my own aesthetic and artistic voice with the material and being less focused on technique derived from traditional glass processes.

Since isolation my work changed drastically as I was completely focused on working in the hot shop until the recent pandemic. This gave me the opportunity to focus more intently on my designs and thinking about how the paintings I make not only relate to the glasswork, but also could relate to the rituals of my daily life. The recent pandemic gave me time to get out into nature and explore, and I became intrigued with the variety of plants within Edmonton. The drawings began to develop around edible plants within the city. I've began foraging this past year and this new found knowledge has also led to a creative exploration with how the plants can be used in the kitchen. It's my intent that I can use these drawings to influence my interaction with nature as well as develop the aesthetic that I'm attempting to develop within my glasswork.

What else is coming up for you?

I recently began 2 weeks teaching at Red Deer College this summer which is a very exciting thing to continuously be part of, and a great break from isolation. Coming up for me, I have another year of school which I'm looking forward to and continue exploring this new body of work. Once I finish school the plan is to look into options of where to continue my studies and pursue a masters degree.

Last question. What are you currently listening to in your studio?

A recent favorite of mine has been Deya Dova playlist Myth of the Cave.  Also Space Drum radio is a favorite. The Polish Ambassador has also taken a top spot on my recently played list. I've been very drawn lately to music that has a space age feel but utilizes traditional world instruments.

The other things I've been listening to recently are related to eastern philosophy by people such as Alan Watts, and listening to works from ancient Chinese philosophers such as Lao Zi, and Zhuang Zi.

Listen to Craft Studio Music - a Spotify compilation of what Alberta craft artists are listening to in their studios.

Follow along Paul's craft journey@bijgaartwork | www.bubblebaker.com

Want to meet the artist? 

Catch Paul van den Bijgaart on Instagram Live Conversation here

Join us on July 20 for Bright Nights, a virtual evening talk with Paul and jeweller Kari Woo. We'll discuss their practice and what it takes to make a meaningful career in craft - WATCH THE RECORDING HERE