Introducing art through glass

Historically, glass décor can be found in myriad cultures all across the world and has been observed in the buildings of Rome, to the temples of Byzantium and perhaps most spectacularly, during the Middle Ages, when it played a significant part in church window design in Italy and France. 

Glass décor serves both as a canvas showcasing both skill and, like all art, acts as a medium to reflect a cultures history and values. In that regard, it is similar to our own Nakshi Kantha – both act as platforms for rich cultural expressions. In our case, the stroke of each needle tells the story of our country and culture, similarly, the glass décor fulfils the same function. 

There are a variety of glass-processing techniques such as engraving, etching, colour implementation, glass to glass collage creation and each provides a different way to express oneself, be it for public or for private use. Framed mirrors, false ceilings, tabletops, etc. can all be decorated with these techniques and used to add a sophisticated touch to any household interior. 

Glass decor used in interior decoration is currently experiencing a renewed popularity in Bangladesh. Glass vases, plates and fancy sundries, each decorated with unusual materials and patterns can enliven the décor of any home. They look particularly effective illuminated in sunlight. 

Recently the art of glass décor has gained much popularity. Many artists through their varied ways of working with glass décor has paved a new way of showcasing ones creative talent through works of art on glass.  For those interested, IID (Institute of Innovative Design) has introduced courses to teach glass décor. 

We sat down with architect Syeda Fazilatun Naz, the Managing Director of Institute of Innovative design who told us a little about her journey, experience and plans on starting this course at the institute.

"I have always wanted to help the people of the country in some way. So, when I was working with glass for the interior, I realised one can easily learn about glass art and its implementation, and can even start their own businesses.  I saw its potential in creating a field of employment for people and hence I decided to provide courses on glass décor after getting myself trained in Malaysia. "

"I was overwhelmed by the huge response. People of varied professions came here to learn about glass décor simply from their inclination towards art. But a lot of them did not realise that it can also be taken up professionally as we train our students in such a way that starting from preliminary education on the matter they get lessons up to the professional level."

"One can easily be able to create showpieces, framed art work on glass, minimalistic decoration pieces decorative bottles and also jewellery that is made by melting glass. Anyone with a merge capital of one to two lakhs can think of starting a business which will not only spread this contemporary idea among the people in this country but also create a source of income for many unemployed people."

Along with providing courses by teachers highly skilled in this field, IID organises an annual fair where they create a platform for artists and entrepreneur to exhibit and promote their work of art.

Although at present the institute is working on a small scale in this field of glass décor, they aspire to work on a much bigger scale in the future. 

The challenge with that is, in order to create a bigger business work has to be done with melted glass which requires a burner. The weather and environment of Bangladesh is not suitable for operating such burners. Through their unique endeavours in introducing the increasingly popular subject of glass décor, the Institute of Innovative Design has made it possible for scores of people, especially women, to start their own business and create their own source of income. 

IID is located at House #37. Road #15, Block "D", Banani. +88 02 9899038.