My History
With over four decades dedicated to the artistry of glass, my journey began with a profound fascination for glass art during my travels along the west coast of America in the late seventies. Upon returning to Australia, I immersed myself in the realm of Art Glass, delving into techniques such as Fusing, Slumping, Painting, Firing, and Glass Sculpture under the expert guidance of renowned glass artist Norman Birrell at what is now the University of Southern Queensland.
Venturing into the role of an educator, I conducted extensive teaching tours throughout the North West of New South Wales, collaborating with institutions such as TAFE Colleges in Inverell, Boggabilla, Warialda Adult Learning, Inverell Adult Learning, Inverell Art Society, Manly Warringah Community College, The Armidale University Union Creative Arts School, and participating in Summer and Easter schools at the University of New England in Armidale.
My artistic presence has graced various exhibitions alongside fellow artists in the New England Region. In 1992, I was honored with the Armidale Heritage Award for my outstanding contributions to the field of glass art. Notable commissions include works for the Anglican Church Armidale, the Sacred Heart Church Inverell, the Armidale Cathedral, and the Inverell Shire Council, encompassing both art and restoration projects.
Acknowledged for my commitment to heritage, I received a Bi-Centennial grant for the restoration of the Anglican Church at Tingha. Noteworthy projects also include creating six panels for the AMP Society's Sydney "I am Australian" showcase, depicting various facets of Australian culture, as well as decorative artwork for the NSW Canterbury Leagues Club and the NSW Rockdale ex-services club.
Further demonstrating my versatility, I was commissioned by the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce to design and provide the Business Excellence Awards and the Carnival of Flowers Awards in 2008. More recently, the Chinchilla Church of Christ sought my expertise to design and supply two Stained Glass windows for their new building, and the Russian Orthodox Church at Kangaroo Point in Brisbane commissioned a panel to complement their Icons in the renovated Church.
Currently based in Inverell, Northern NSW, my studio is not merely a workplace but an open invitation for those interested to drop in, share a coffee, engage in conversation, or discover the intricate art of cutting glass.