Since graduating in 1987 with a B.A. in Visual Arts from the Charles Sturt University, I have completed a traineeship at the Jam Factory glass studio in Adelaide, worked as a practicing artist while at the University of South Australia, and then continued my profession with Chris Pantano for the following 12 years. In 2004 I set up the Sunshine Coast Hot Glass Studio in partnership with Greg Royer. This is where I continue to independently develop and explore my skills and ideas. The studio also provides the opportunity to work with a diverse range of well known Australian glass artists.
The designs I create are inspired by natural forms and patterns and I combine these with colors that reflect particular environmental conditions. I am fascinated with mansÕ interaction in the landscape and the desire to express consciousness through art. The acknowledgement of natural beauty which is present in every moment is the dynamic force for my creativity.
Growing up in the alpine region of North Eastern Victoria nurtured a lifelong fascination of AustraliaÕs geological formations. Most people are drawn to particular landscapes. I have always had an affinity with mountainous terrains, having explored and lived in the dramatic high country of Victoria, the ancient and weathered Flinders Ranges and now the lush, rainforest covered Blackall Ranges. My perception of these places has developed an understanding of how our environment has evolved and the desire to express my love for this country through my artwork.
The techniques I use in designing and making glass have developed over the last 20 years. Some of these techniques resemble the ancient murini and millefiore that were created hundreds of years ago on Murano, a small island off the coast of Italy. The design elements I incorporate into my artwork are complex combinations of colored glass which take many hours to prepare. These are assembled on steel plates, to be fused to the hot glass during the blowing process.
I strive to produce simple and yet balanced shapes to carry my designs with the philosophy that if the viewer is comfortable with the form, then the design is considered unencumbered in its space.
One of the most exciting aspects of working with hot glass is using color three dimensionally. Playing with the infinite combinations of color intensity using the optical qualities and depth possible with this molten medium I love the way glass captures light and can hold an image three dimensionally within itself for thousands of years. So permanent yet fragile and precious.
