Ryan Manuel

The Borilla Glass team predominantly does flamework (lampwork) glass art. They also do custom work in various styles of hot glass work. They use a custom GTT Samurai three-stage torch, which is currently the only one in Africa, and they are hoping to spread this new style of glass blowing and sculpting to the rest of South Africa.

The studio is at the Prison Break Market in Kyalami and is open to the public for viewing and for lessons.

Borilla Glass is a two-man team consisting of Ryan Manuel and Theuns van der Westhuizen:

Ryan Manuel

Ryan Manuel started his glass journey studying Fine Art at Tshwane University of Technology and during his studies went to the Glass Centrum in Leerdam, the Netherlands. He worked for a short time with Smelt Glass Studio in Melville after his studies and for The Crucible in Benoni for a few years. He then worked towards setting up his own studio to continue his personal journey as a glass artist.

Theuns van der Westhuizen

Theuns van der Westhuizen contacted Ryan Manuel through a mutual friend while Manuel was planning the new studio. Van der Westhuizen was looking for a way to follow his love of glass, so he did a small apprenticeship under Manuel and bought equipment to keep practising. Since then, van der Westhuizen has grown into an artist in his own right and is Manuel’s business partner on the same glass art journey.

083 799 8282 ryan@borillaglass.com www.borillaglass.com

Orange Bloom “Evolved” (2022)

Mixed media glass, stone wood, blown and polished glass

H:40 W:60 D:40cm