Colin Rennie
The current theme of the my work centres around the perception of scientific explanation In an increasingly secular society. Particularly the translation of scientific ideas from abstract esoteric constructs into solid and real world models or agents of understanding. Answers to questions by way of scientific explanation are often not completely understood and so models and proto-explanations are used, these can take on iconic status. Veneration of science is a paradox which arises from the role science has of explanation; the appropriation of images and the partial understanding of concepts by lay people can be seen to be analogous to faith.
The properties of glass of interest are its faculty to modulate light and transparency and opacity of glass is often used as a metaphor for the visible and the invisible, or the grey areas between science and myth and idea and perception.
Research interests
- Philosophy and history of Science, specifically:
- Cognition
- Epistemology
- Cosmology
- Consciousness
- Evolutionary Biology
- Quantum theories - Sustainability of glass and ceramics within a changing energy market.
- Drawing practice, theory of drawing.
Exhibitions
2007 Design 4 Science, Touring show, Sunderland and Stockholm, Nobel Museum.
2006 Views of Order, Musee Attellier Du Verre, Sars Poteries, France.
2005 Wheel and Water Grind and Edge, National Glass Centre, Sunderland.
2004 British Glass Biennale, Dudley, West Midlands.
2004 Solo Show, Clara Scremini Gallery, Paris.
2003 Jerwood Applied Arts Prize, Crafts Council, London
2003 Density and Light, Hanna Peschar Sculpture Garden, Surrey.
2002 SOFA Chicago USA (represented by the Scottish Gallery).
2002 Scottish Gallery at Artisan, Edinburgh
2002 9 by 9. Glass Art Gallery (Peter Layton). London.
2001 4th Hsin-Chu International Glass Art Festival and Symposium, Hsin-Chu Municipal Glass Museum, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan.
2000 Millennium Surroundings, National Glass Centre, Sunderland.
1999 Global Glass Art. Borngholm Castle, Sweden.
1999 New Glass Economy, Shanghai.
Awards, Prizes, Residencies & Collections
- Awarded the only 2005 international residency and exhibition in the Muse Atelier du Verre, Sars Potteries France.
- 2003 Awarded residency in Northlands Creative Glass by the Jerwood Foundation.
- 2003 Shortlist for the Jerwood applied arts Prize Glass.
- 2002Artworks acquired by the V&A Museum.
- 2002 IIRG Artist in Residence.
- 2001 Awarded 8 week artist residency, National Glass Centre.
