Richard believes there are many elements of life that are cyclical, but these cycles work with variance and change rather than repetition, they continually evolve, which means the cycles never return, they loop continuously.

He says that it follows then that the reason for us to “return” is to look for the new and learn from the differences.

By taking into account other life cycles that we may have produced and influenced, such as plastics, carbon and our environment, we need to examine our position within these cyclical events.

The form of Returning Cycle II is a physical exploration of this this concept.

This large circular glass sculpture, Returning Cycle II, has been made using the open cast method, which leaves you with one completely flat side. The glass is then sculpted to give a form that works fully in the round.

Richard has been working with and developing this method for more than twenty years and this remarkable circular glass sculpture with 3 intersecting blocks of different shapes is skilfully sculpted from a single cast.

Once the form is completed, there is a very lengthy process of mark making, engraving, surface working, polishing back and finally fully polishing. These different processes allow him to open up and obscure different views into and through the piece and bring a texture and language to the sculpture.

Returning Cycle II was exhibited at Collect art fair 2024 in London.

Returning Cycle II also featured in Richard and Sally’s joint museum exhibition, Inspirer Expirer, at the internationally important Musée du Verre François Décorchemont

You can view the exhibition catalogue here