Through The Looking Glass

Florence Ng, founder and creative director of Synergraphic Design, which specialises in glass art and design, reveals the intricacies of working with this beautiful, fragile and versatile material.

With its many styles and forms, glass has long been favored for its visual lightness, structurally sound qualities, and versatile beauty in both art and interior design. Modern visionary and a pioneer in Singapore’s glass-making field, Florence Ng sheds light on its evolution and new possibilities.

HOW DID YOU START WORKING WITH GLASS AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU?

I first encountered glass in 1984, when I supplied and installed glass in windows. Trained in advertising arts and as a graphic designer, I wanted to discover more ways to create art with it. In 1990, I flew to Europe’s biggest glass trade fair in Dusseldorf, Germany, and later to Seattle to learn the art of fusing and blowing from American glass artist and designer Roger Nachman.

I’ve had an innate passion for art and creative work since I was a child. I believe it is a gift from God. While the unique beauty of glass, its qualities, and versatility inspire me, I also explore other mediums and materials to create innovative glassworks. The world is filled with inspiration. I get little sparks from everywhere – walks in the park, watching the fishes in my pond, sitting under a tree as the world goes by, and the works of others.

WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT SYNERGRAPHIC’S NEW COLLECTION, THE EARTH TALES VOLUME II?

Earth Tales Volume II offers the beauty of stone with the benefits of glass for limitless applications – from backlit feature walls and translucent doors to tabletops.