I am a second generation glass artist growing up around the furnace glass scene here in the South West of WA. My father started out as a flame worker and progressed into furnace work glassblowing. I started out glassblowing and have found my niche in flameworking Borosilicate glass. Although the glass chemistry is different the dance of heat and gravity is the same. In the open flame glass is a captivating medium.
A glass torch capable of reaching high temperatures is required to soften the rods and tubing I use to create my range of hollow and solid forms. A recently obtained glass lathe has opened many possibilities to further explore shape and form using this precise equipment.
Along with the range of hollow vessels I also use unique techniques to design solid forms and jewellery. Intricate lobes of colour and shapes resembling flowers or coral colonies within pendant forms inspire wonder. A question commonly asked of me is ‘how did you get that in there?’ A signature style of mine is a fuming technique where Fine Silver and 24c Gold metals are vaporised onto the glass surface. Whether on the surface or encased in a lens of clear glass this technique produces an amazing array of colours I am continually drawn to.
A ritual when opening my kiln is to inspect and take pieces to the sun to observe that magical play of colour and light refraction.
Being able to translate my imagination into something tangible brings me great joy.