Shelley James’ practice thrives on lively conversations with scientists and artists, composers and cooks. With them she seeks to understand the underlying principles and their wider historical and philosophical context. James combines traditional glass making, emerging digital technologies and lighting to interpret these phenomena through the material and optical properties of glass, often testing the limits of this beautiful and versatile medium. Sharing discoveries through public engagement, exhibitions, writing and teaching is a vital and rewarding dimension of her work.
Current projects include experiments with Sir Roger Penrose and Professor Brian Sutton to explore the role of quantum entanglement in crystal formation, designing a new Artificial Anatomies course at King’s College, and building immersive visual illusions with psychologists, to understand the way that urban design affects the way that we move through our cities.