Sara Hulkkonen

Master of Arts, Doctoral Researcher

Sara Hulkkonen shares a material history with glass since 1998. Through her experiences as a student, entrepreneur, activist, maker, facilitator, and an educator in the field, she continues to perceive glass as a substantial partner in comprehending the diverse phenomena of life. For her, glass has become a metaphysical, vital material to think with, and that is the direction she urges to guide her research to. Sara’s passion is to enhance equal and sustainable conditions for handcrafted art and design glass in Finland.

In her doctoral studies Sara analyzes the human and non-human actants in glassblowing processes in new materialistic context for future understanding of the craft. The analysis is informed by the collaborative and transdisciplinary nature of glassblowing. The purpose of the research is to strengthen the endangered craft of glassblowing by constructing and contributing new scientific knowledge and viewpoints of blown glass to the field of contemporary art and design. The main research method in her thesis is practice-led inquiry.

Sara holds a MA in Art Education from the Aalto University and has also completed a Specialist Vocational Qualification in Glassblowing (Master Glassblower). Since 2009 she has worked as a teacher in glass at Tavastia Vocational College. Starting in October 2022, she serves on the Glass Art Society Board of Directors.