Bladderwrack, a type of seaweed with tiny air pockets resembling bladders, might not sound appetizing, but it serves as a fascinating muse for glass artist Andrea Spencer. Known for its unique tendrils, bulbs, and fronds, this kelp inspires Spencer’s elegant glass sculptures.
Based in Northern Ireland, just off the rugged North Antrim coastline, Andrea Spencer and her glassblower husband, Scott Benefield, create their artwork in a former farm’s outbuildings. Spencer’s creative process begins with observing or collecting natural elements. “I start with something from the natural world, transforming it into new forms,” she explains. Her studio showcases these elements, often displayed in layered compositions and captured in drawings or glass.
Spencer’s work explores the delicate balance of realism and fragility. “I’m fascinated by how materials react when pushed to their limits, and how glass can reveal this behavior,” she says. Her sculptures can be incredibly delicate, with walls as thin as an eggshell and suspended by glass threads less than a millimeter thick.
Beyond botanical and sea life models, Spencer’s sculptures often reflect deeper connections between nature and humanity. “Leaf veins remind me of our own circulatory system; a mermaid’s purse symbolizes a womb,” she notes. The fragility of her glass pieces mirrors the vulnerability of natural objects, highlighting life’s delicate aspects.
Currently, Spencer is focused on teaching, preparing for group shows in London and Belfast, and designing a custom glass ornament for a Royal commission. Follow her website and Instagram for updates, and shop her work directly at Benefield Spencer Glass Shop.
