Credit: Niki Steel
In Conversation with Niki Steel: A Life Shaped by Light, Colour, and Glass
When you initially see a piece by Niki Steel, you are amazed by how it appears to radiate from within—light refracting through hue, playfully interacting with the contoured forms, and evoking the almost primal nature of her work. And when you hold a conversation with the artist, the reason for this nearly magical quality becomes crystal clear.
“For close to twelve years, glass has held my attention, and I am still enthralled. I find it amazing, almost magical, how this material, when it is heated to a certain point, becomes a kind of liquid—almost as alive and fluid as the molten metal that it once was.”
“I remain ever fascinated by how it behaves in that state: how it can be blown and shaped, how it can be cast and slumped, how it can be folded and cracked (and yes, sometimes how it can be broken and cracked).”
Credit: Niki Steel
From 3D Design to Fire and Form
Niki began her creative journey at Manchester Metropolitan University while earning a BA in 3D design. However, it was at the International Glass Centre in Brierley Hill—deep in the stuff of both hot and cold glass—that her path really took shape.
Since then, she has worked in a range of studios, from London to Worcester. She has also passed along what she knows through teaching and live demos at places like the World of Glass in St. Helens. They have all been gaps in her studio practice, and yet she has always seemed to be playing catch-up, with the material itself constantly calling her back. Each of these roles has afforded her new insight into glass, but none has sent her off on a new trajectory, as far as I can tell.
She reflects on glass, saying, “There’s a kind of focus you need to have with glass. You can’t fake it. You have to move with it, understand it — because of that, it makes every piece very personal to me.”
The Art of Colour and Contrast
Upon enquiring as to what ignites her what ignites her creativity, her response is swift: “The very substance of glass”. She converses about it as if it were a partner in art—an entity with its own temperaments and enigmas.
“The optical brilliance of glass fascinates me, as does capturing, refracting, and transforming light. And, of course, there’s the whole aspect of color theory, which plays a huge role in my work. I love using bold, contrasting primary and secondary colors, especially when set against a really deep black. There is something “”elegant”” and “”playful”” about glass in that context.
Her aesthetic—vibrant, considered, and in constant motion—could be one of the clearest identities in New York art today. But it’s not just what Carrie Mae Weems makes; it’s how she makes it, with inviting others into the fold, that imparts her work with an entirely different kind of resonance.
More Than Glass: Building Community Through Creativity
For Niki, glass isn’t just a medium of craft; it’s a medium of connection. She brings an openness and generosity to sharing her process, whether it’s via Instagram in behind-the-scenes videos or hands-on instructor sessions in her teaching capacity.
“With every piece, I like people to see the story behind it. That’s why I post process reels, talk about my techniques, and host workshops. It’s not just about showing the final product; it’s about a bit of demystifying the magic.”
Her swelling fan base—almost 1.6K and counting—comprises enfleshed Collectors, artists like herself, and creative couriers drawn to the exuberance of her work and the intimacy she shares with her process.
Workshops with Fire and Breath
Niki is best experienced through her popular glassblowing workshops, which she holds regularly throughout the year.
“They are tactile and engaging and kind of addictive,” she laughs. “Whether someone is marking a special occasion or just indulging a bit of curiosity, there is something incredibly joyful about guiding molten glass with your breath. People leave looking astonished. It never gets old.”
Workshops encompass all competency levels and are a fundamental aspect of her practice. They serve as an opportunity to once again invite others into her studio—a studio that has recently transformed into a space for workshops—to experience what it’s like to create with fire. The structure of the invitation, however, has changed.
Gratitude in Glass
As our conversation winds to a close, Niki takes time to be reflective. Her words exude the warmth of someone who knows perfectly well the reason behind her work.
“To all who have ever purchased a piece, attended a class, or left a comment on a reel—you’re part of this story. Your support makes me persist with this work. I hope that in the act of incorporating one of my pieces into their home, a person feels that same jolt. That moment, caught just at the right angle, where it seems like my work is meant to be there.”
Just like that, it becomes evident. For Niki Steel, glass is more than just a material. It is a vibrant medium for expressing gratitude, connecting with others, and conveying heartfelt stories. She is a master of this compelling art form in which to play out such narratives—one incandescent pane at a time.
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