TFOD Profile Of The Week: Reshmi Dey, Glass Artist, New Delhi

Artists are often drawn to their art, inexplicably. Such seems to be the case of glass artist Reshmi Dey – who had never taken her creative inclinations seriously, and had instead tried to follow a rather mainstream profession of economics!

Quite by chance, she once saw some colourful and beautifully designed glass objects at a friend’s place. Fascinated by the beauty and versatility of the material, she then travelled to Firozabad – the hub of India’s glassblowing industry. As she saw more and more of glass art, she found herself to be drawn towards it. Ultimately, she decided to follow her heart and plunged headlong into learning all about glassblowing! 

However, making a place for herself in the male-dominated industry wasn’t an easy task. “I wished to gain more knowledge and understanding of the entire process of glassblowing and its various techniques. But the factory owners and workers were highly sceptical. I persevered and finally convinced the factory-owners and workers, to let me interact with them,” says Reshmi.

For nearly two years thereafter, Reshmi learned the various aspects of the art of glassblowing. This was also the time that ‘Glass Sutra’ was conceived in her mind.  She resolved to open a glass studio where she would not only create glass-art but also provide a place where anyone interested in glass-art can come and learn it.

In her quest for knowledge and professional experience, Reshmi travelled to glassmaking centres around the world. She then enrolled in a diploma program at the International Glass Centre, Dudley, U.K. The international exposure, supported by her involvement in the International Labour Organisation for Skill Development Programme, inspired Reshmi to create her own centre for glass education.

So Reshmi returned to India and founded ‘Glass Sutra’ - India’s first comprehensive public access glass art studio. The principal objectives of Glass Sutra are to promote education, awareness, and appreciation for glass art and craft in India; to facilitate research and development; and to provide a platform for artisans from Firozabad to develop their skills and get more exposure.

From the bylanes of Assam, to the glass factories of Firozabad, to many glass centres of the world, to a diploma from the International Glass Centre at UK, and to the founding of Glass Sutra in New Delhi – Reshmi’s creative journey has certainly been vibrant; much like her blown-glass pieces! TFOD – The Future Of Design wishes the talented artist more success ahead.