Artist Statement
Millefiori Vases & Bowls

Ruth engages in repetition, reproduction and the singular as well as the interplay between pattern and randomness. Works are abstracted to resonate on many levels with organic forms, cellular structures and post-modern architectural compositions that proliferate in our natural and built environments.

Millefiori vases & bowls are a new, limited edition product range for Ruth in her Melbourne studio. Extending her passion for Venetian cane, Ruth has created an unlimited palette of colour and patterns in the form of Murrine cane, these canes are laid into a mosaic tile and then blown, this contemporary twist of an ancient technique creates unlimited design parameter’s within Ruth’s chosen forms.

Christian began training in scientific glass in 1990, but soon branched into the creative side of his medium. Many of his techniques were developed in solitude as there are few lampworkers in Australia, and far in between. From 1997 to 2002 he completed a master’s degree as a way of meeting other glass oriented artists. Christian is interested in developing a wider public appreciation of lampwork in Australia by creating individual and unique pieces which are the result of his many years of experience and eclectic influences gleaned from his travels and studies. A single creation may take just a few hours to make or may be worked on for days or even months to completion.

Dagmar was born in Czechoslovakia and migrated to Australia in 1954.
In 1981 she established TCG Graphic Design, one of Sydney’s premier graphic design consultancies. It was a successful studio, producing high-end corporate communications for large organisations. 
In 1997 Dagmar enrolled in a short glass course at Sydney College of the Arts.
Before its completion she knew this was to be her chosen medium. Since then, Dagmar has attended a numerous courses, developing her skills and experimenting with various techniques.
Dagmar Ackerman established a glass studio in Rozelle, NSW in March 1999 and achieved Craft Mark accreditation in early 2000.  Since January 2002, she has been
working as a full time glass artist producing commercial and artistic glass.
n late 2006 she has successfully exhibited in the USA in galleries in Wisconsin and
San Francisco. She is currently exhibiting in Boston and Park City ( Utah).

Artist's statement
My fascination with glass has always been compelling. I find its apparent fragility and paradoxically, its great strength, extremely appealing. My first works in glass focussed on the visual impact of colour and light, with the use of vibrant colour and strong
graphic shapes, which are reminiscent of my training as a graphic designer.
I continue to utilise my graphic experience when designing for glass, in addition to  incorporating other influences.
My work takes inspiration from nature and the unique Australian
panorama. I have been using new techniques to emphasise the ever changing and yet perennial nature of the Australian landscape. I recently visited The Czech republic and
Slovakia in winter and that trip impacted on my new work.

CURRICULUM VITAE
2000 – 2001: Certificate IV Applied Art and Design
2002 – 2005: Bachelor of Fine Art, Monash University, Melbourne
2006: Bachelor of Fine Art, Honours, Monash University, Melbourne
2006: Lino Tagliapietra Workshop, Jam Factory, Adelaide
2009: Dante Marioni Workshop, Jam Factory, Adelaide

EXHIBITIONS
2005: Monash Graduation Exhibition
2006: Manyung Gallery
2006: Monash Graduation Exhibition

MEMBERSHIPS
Ausglass member

The quirky and elegant mix of her work is a sophisitcated combination of hot and cold glass work which heralds a unique style.  Kirstin is currently studying for her Masters Degree at Monash University Specialising in Hot Glass but is interested in sculptural objects.

Born in Norway to Scottish parents who are both skilled glass engravers, Eileen completed her training in England, then emigrated to Australia in 1980. After many years developing her skills and working in glass studios around Australia and overseas, Eileen Gordon established the Gordon Studio with her partner Grant  Donaldson in 1990 and has gone on to become one of Australia’s foremost glassblowers. Eileen’s elegant vessels are a radiant record of the colour and light she finds in the Australian landscape.

“My love for glass began with choosing inspirational parents. Their love for the medium encouraged me to find my own expression in glassblowing rather than etching like them, or sculptural sandblasting as my brother Kevin. We compliment each other enormously and they have frequently used my blown forms as their “canvas”.

Beautiful blown glass is hard to define. It is the evanescence of light, elegance of shape – and for me, above everything it is colour. My use of colour reflects my feelings and the moods of landscape – magical explosive sunsets in Red hill, or the fragility of early dawn on Port Phillip Bay”.

UNIKA SERIES from 27th November.

The use of 23 ct. gold, silver and copper foils rolled into the layers of hot glass emphasise the “surfaces” and the dynamic new shape of the latest sculptural vessels. Up to twelve layers of glass and foils are combined in the traditional blown glass method to make each individually signed and numbered piece.
The Unika Series with its strong vermilion and orange internal colours further develop the recent successful Astral Series first exhibited at the Veronica George Gallery.

The central motif has landscape references drawn onto the surface with foils and coloured glass canes. The Unika Series is a combination of love of materials and interest in contemporary Asian design influences.

In 2007 the Crafts Council of Australia awarded Brian the title “Master of Craft” for over 30 years of significant work as a glass artist.

Ola Höglund and Marie Simberg-Höglund
Husband and wife team, Ola Höglund and Marie Simberg-Höglund came from Sweden and settled in New Zealand in 1982. They also have a glass studio in far North Queensland, Australia. Their work is recognised worldwide, and coveted by such people as Sir Elton John, Bill Clinton, Olivia Newton-John, Melanie Griffith and Mohammad Ali. Their masterpieces can be found in private and public collections; including the Swedish, Lichtenstein and Tongan Royal Family collections as well as the Auckland Museum in New Zealand, the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, Tasmania Museum & Gallery in Australia and the Ebeltoft Glass Museum in Denmark. The glass is designed by Ola and Marie, and made individually by hand, by a team of skilful glass workers led by master glassblower Ola Höglund.
A variety of rare and seldom seen techniques are employed at the Höglund Glassblowing Studio including Graal, Ariel, Incalmo, Etching, Engraving, Mould Casting, Fusing, Slumping, Kiln Casting and Diamond Cutting.

Above is a selection from the Graal, Sommerso, Eclipse collections...

Not supplied...

This body of work explores the notion of the many aspects of human interaction; the faceted individual and the notion of the mask. Via the glass medium, themes of individualism and ideology are questioned through the metaphoric and symbolic dialogue of the forms.

Academic History
Bachelor of Visual Arts, Monash University

Exhibitions
2007 The Bigger Picture, Graduating Third Year Exhitition, Monash University, VIC
2007 Ranamok Glass Prize Finalist Exhibition, Touring Exhibition, Australia
2007 5th International Cheongju Craft Biennale, Cheongju, Korea

Professional Experience
2007 Technical Assistant to George Aslanis

Awards and Achievements
2007   Kirra Galleries Award for Excellence in Glass
2007   Veronica George Gallery Prize for Excellence in Glass
2007   Special Citation for Visage 3, 5th International Cheongju Craft Biennale, Korea
2007   Honorable mention for Visage 4, 5th International Cheongju Craft Biennale, Korea
2006   Blackwood Crystal Award, Monash University

"Brent King is currently undertaking studies in Bachelor of Visual Arts at Monash University. A young emerging artist, Brent has exhibited both internationally and locally." 

About My Work

I use a variety of techniques, tools, and affects – striving to enhance the optical interaction between glass and light.
One of the techniques I like to use is the steam stick technique which was developed in Venice 600 years ago and is quite unique.
I employ handmade tools to sculpture the molten glass and also like to accentuate some of my work with grinding and cutting. I create texture to my work by adding glass to the surface of some bowls and platters.

Artist Statement

Glass is my powerful enchantress. It captures the mysteries through time-less techniques.
Colour is a component of my work but form is more important. The curves manifest in nature on the one hand contrasting with the sharp edges of geometry on the other.
I'm an extremist. I like walking on the edge but feeling safe and confident there.
I never set out to become an artist. I have loved working with glass as a craftsman and through hard work and good fortune I now have the opportunity to work as an artist.
This allows me to explore ideas, energy and passions doing the thing I love most.

Crisp, cool and exquisitely finished, exemplifying some of the best in blown and molded glass.  Laurel graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Arts(Honours) Specialising in Hot Glass at Monash University in 2002.  She has since gained proffesional experience working with well known Australian Glass Artists, and has had a number of successful exhibitions and commisions.

Mariella McKinley

Education

2006 Monash University
Bachelor of Fine Art – Glass (Honours)

2003-05 Monash University
Bachelor of Fine Art – Glass

2001–02 Northern Melbourne Institute of Tafe
Diploma of Arts – Visual Arts

Professional Experience

2010 Coldworking Assistant for Ben Edols and Kathy Elliott, Brookvale, NSW

2008-09 Associate, JamFactory Contemporary Craft and Design, Adelaide, SA

2007 Tom Rowney and Alexandra Chambers Workshop, JamFactory Contemporary Craft and Design, Adelaide, SA

2006 Lino Tagliapietra Workshop, JamFactory Contemporary Craft and Design, Adelaide, SA

2005 GAS Conference, Adelaide, SA

Exhibitions

2010 Ranamok Glass Prize 2010

2010 Kaleidoscope, JamFactory, Adelaide, SA

2009 Generate ‘09, JamFactory, Adelaide, SA

2009 JamFactory Glass Associates, JamFactory, Adelaide, SA

2008 Some Like It Hot, Glass Plus Gallery, South Melbourne, VIC

2007 Gathering Place, Philip Stokes Studio Glass, Abbotsford, VIC

2007 Launch ‘07, Glass Artists’ Gallery, Glebe, NSW

2006 Graduate Exhibition, Monash University

2005 Graduate Exhibition, Monash University

2004 Ranamok Glass Prize 2004

2002 Graduate Awards Exhibition 2002, NMIT

1998 Quilt Showcase ‘98, Melbourne Exhibition Centre

1998 Starting Out: VCE Top CATs from 1997, National Gallery of Victoria

Awards

2008 Italian Centre Design Award, JamFactory

2006 Latrobe Regional Gallery Award, Graduate Exhibition 2006, Monash University

2006 Glass Plus Gallery Award, Graduate Exhibition 2006, Monash University

2005 Veronica George Gallery Award, Graduate Exhibition 2005, Monash University

2005 Melbourne Artists’ Supplies Award, Graduate Exhibition 2005, Monash University

2002 Eckersley’s Painting Award, Graduate Awards Exhibition 2002, NMIT

1998 1st prize, ‘Traditional Pieced / Student,’ Quilt Showcase ’98, Melbourne Exhibition Centre

Susan has just completed her Hon degree of bachelor of Fine Art-Glass at Monash University.

Figure Study Series - "Through my ongoing investigation of the figure, I am exploring the relationship between volume and proportion, rhythm and gesture.  I am inspired by the qualities of the glass and contributions which the material and processes bring to  my work"

Much of Anthony Morris’s life has been as an artisan; a craftsman, a maker of all manner of beautiful things.  Always a collector and lover of art, it has only been in recent times that the artist has been permitted to emerge from the artisan.
In 1992 Anthony attended his first painting and life drawing classes.  In 1998 he attended a sculpture course at Unitec in Auckland, there discovering the joys of extending his terracotta sculptures by casting them in glass or bronze using the lost wax method.  With the artist deeply rooted in the artisan, Anthony was off on a new journey – being confident of his craft he could now delight in creating art.
Although many of Anthony’s works have gone to buyers from all over the globe, this is the first time they have been available for sale outside New Zealand.

With a background in theatre I find that handling hot glass is surprisingly similar to the stage; Spontaneity, improvisation and chance are all elements that I enjoy and exploit, both in the making and in the final installation.

Stimulated by the sculptural possibilities of human form and the organisation of musculature, I hope to create dialogue between the viscous and sinuous qualities of the glass medium.

My work alludes to the tenuous nature and fragility of human tissue, whilst also referring to its inherent strengths. It is similarities between glass and muscle, flesh and fluids of the body that inspires the making and installation of these forms.

Urbaneyes

Having moved my studio from the banks of the Yarra River bend to the inner city edge, I have become fascinated with the vibrant outdoor gallery on my doorstep.  The series Urbaneyes is inspired by the vibrant and contrasting styles of street art and graffiti which adorn the streets of Cremorne and Richmond in a bombing of vividly contrasting colours.
Philip Stokes