The cut glass assemblages of graphic-turned-3D designer Juli Bolaños-Durman

Originally from Costa Rica and formerly a graphic designer, Juli Bolaños-Durman may have changed both location and career but she’s cleverly held on to her visual references. Now an Edinburgh-based glass artist, her creations stand out a mile from a litany of twee, old-fashioned ornaments with their unusually collaged shapes and colours, bringing a contemporary edge to the medium.

Her Ode to Intuición series comprises 60 items, each a unique cocktail of found objects and blown and engraved glass. These asymmetric totem poles combine orbs, bottle tops, bowls, vases and other vessels, seemingly random and ranging in exuberance. At the subtler end of the scale are simple, clear glass figures with a small section of vivid colour. At the other end are exotically coloured assemblages of blue, green, orange, red, turquoise, black, and yellow, many with heavily patterned engravings.

Juli says the theme of these pieces is an exploration of preciousness and play, with preciousness not only referring to the fragility of glass but the emotional attachment to the found objects. “I find myself treasuring objects that act as storytellers and constitute experiences,” she explains. “Therefore, it is essential for the creative process to give the artwork the same significance, disregarding where it came from or how it was constructed. I want to create raw pieces that are put together sensibly through the joyfulness of play, explore the different materials to create new meaning and invite the viewer to become part of the journey.”