Ross Smith - Glassblower

With more than 20 years experience in Glass Blowing, Ross remains passionate about the possibilites of glass. Each finished piece he sees as something to be treasured and used.
Ross has spent time away from the Coast in Auckland, Western Australia, and the UK in order to develop his glass blowing skills. Along with four others, he originally set up Avalon Glass Co-op, where they could learn and develop their craft together. While the value of these experiences remains with Ross, he still continues to seek new opportunities that will further inspire his creativity and expand his knowledge of glass blowing and other glass forming techniques.

Lynda Braid - Glassblower

Lynda became involved with glass over 10 years ago in 1993. Working in the Avalon Glass Studio assisting and learning from Ross she built up her glassblowing skills. Now she is creating her own designs and works as a co-worker with Ross in their Seal Island Studio business.
“I love working with the hot glass. It’s like working in an energy field that is totally different to what I’ve ever experienced before. Everything happens fast, sometimes it’s hard to work out whether I’m controlling the process or the process is controlling me. I kind of like that.”
Ross and Lynda use recycled glass to make all their works, this is something they are both concerned and passionate about. A process that reduces the amount of mined chemicals necessary - which they say is important to conserve a clean environment. Although recycled glass cools quickly allowing only a short working time, and that it is also prone to include little bubbles - this is one of the unique features about their work that they continue to explore and develop.

They also have their own website, Seal Island Studio.
Seal Island is a member of the Punakaiki Crafts Co-Operative.