From her studio in southwest London, Tracy Nicholls creates kiln-formed glass sculptures that explore erosion, deterioration, and fragility. Her work draws on the imagery of her creative journey and the intricate structures that remain.
Rejecting the qualities typically associated with glass – transparency, vibrancy and shine – Tracy gravitates toward a restrained monochrome palette and opaque glass. Using the heat of the kiln, she manipulates and distorts the glass, exploiting the tension that exists between the planned and the unexpected, whilst pushing the material’s physical limits to reveal delicate structures shaped by both intention and chance. She sees her work as perfectly imperfect – edges crumble while pitting, cracks and holes emerge.
Using layers of glass and an interplay with light, depth and shadows are revealed by Tracy’s work; the light dances through undulating apertures, or glows as it bounces around interior curves, conveying a subtle yet striking aesthetic that is often overlooked.
Tracy joined Design-Nation as a Professional member in 2026.
