I started my working life as a medical illustrator, and after a career in publishing and at a large London teaching hospital, I left to work as a freelance commercial illustrator.
What I do now is basically the same thing, but I use a small hand-held drill with diamond and stone burs to "draw" and carve my illustrations on crystal.
I have been a professional glass engraver for 10 years, working mainly for galleries or juried exhibitions and doing the occasional commission.
I do intaglio engraving, which is deeply carved into the glass and gives the illusion of three-dimensions.
My constant inspiration is the human figure and my aim is to elicit an emotional response to my work. I often inlay my engraving with gold leaf, which gives a lustre and richness to the pieces.
I came to the UAE three years ago and have found it very stimulating creatively.
I have twice been accepted into the British Glass Biennale, and at the end of last year was elected a fellow of the Guild of Glass Engravers, the professional body for my craft.
Everything I make is unique, a one-off. My most recent piece, Marked Man, has a golden tattooed arm, and has received a lot of interest.
At the moment I am making pieces to exhibit in the UK, Sweden and the US, but I would like to be able to show some of my work in the UAE.
Find out more at www.nancysutcliffe.co.uk and www.facebook.com/NancySutcliffeGlassEngraver. Or contact nancy@nancysutcliffe.co.uk
