Glass Artist | Founder of Ronin Glassworks
About
Sean Barnes is a UK-based glassblower working under the name Ronin Glassworks. He works primarily in the hotshop, using traditional and experimental glassblowing techniques to create sculptural work. His practice focuses on the use of foamed glass to explore the physical processes found in volcanic environments.
Sean’s work draws from ongoing research with volcanologists, using the hotshop as a space to recreate and study the behaviours of lava, gas, and ash. The results are glass forms shaped by pressure, heat, and chemical reactions, made through experiments with different foaming agents and methods.
Originally self-taught as a lampworker, Sean demonstrated and sold his work at festivals and events across the UK before entering formal education. He has completed a BA in Glass and Ceramics at the University of Sunderland and is currently studying for a master’s degree while continuing his research into the links between glassblowing and volcanology.
Sean is based in Billingham in the North East of England and works across studio production, research, and collaborative projects at The National Glass Centre.
Education
BA (Hons) Glass and Ceramics
University of Sunderland, 2022–2025
MA Visual Practice: Glass
University of Sunderland, 2025-2026
- Specialising in hotshop glassblowing & experimental foamed glass techniques
- Developed technical skills in kiln forming, mould-making, casting, coldworking, and annealing
- Studied material science with a focus on glass chemistry and thermal behaviour
- Assisted Access Artists to Art College program and visiting artists
- Learned exhibition planning & exhibition installation
- Explored craft theory, art history, and design contextual studies
- Collaborated on cross-disciplinary projects involving science, education, and public engagement
- Practised studio safety, equipment operation, and teamwork in shared workshop environments
Scholarships & Awards
- Futures Fund Scholarship
Awarded 3-day Blacksmithing course with Pete Oberon, Stockton-on-Tees 2024 - Robson Art & Design Scholarship BA Degree 2023
- Simon Alderson Memorial Mentorship with Catherine Dunstan 2025
- Excellence in Glass ‘Penultimate’ Third year degree show award 2025
- Best in Show ‘Penultimate’ Third year degree show award 2025
Research
- Ongoing collaborative research with Volcanologists at Durham University and Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich into vesiculated silicate foams
- BA Dissertation – An Exploration into the Viability of Volcanic Glass as a Glassblowing Medium
Selected Exhibitions
- Penultimate
Third year degree show, National Glass Centre, June 2025 - Behind the Art
Photography exhibition including glasswork, The Pavilion Sunderland, May 2025 - Dry Run
Second year degree show, Shipley Art Gallery, May 2024
DEMONSTRATIONS & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Hotshop Demontrations at National Glass Centre (2025)
Lampworking Demonstrations & Lessons at:
- Borofest (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
- Product Earth (2022, 2023)
- Highland Flames (2023)
- Paradise Gardens (2021, 2022)