"A Natural World"@ Kirra Galleries /Melbourne
with Amanda Louden

7 July - 31 July 2011

What is this ‘A Natural World’ exhibition about?

This show represents a deep personal pursuit of getting closer to the soul of the individual subjects that came into my life at various times over the past year. I am being driven by the words of my teacher ‘As our civilization will be judged by our creations, it is what we leave behind that is most important.’ 

In this recent work, I have achieved I believe, a greater intimacy with the subjects in the way I have captured them in glass. Getting in touch with this beauty in nature brings a joy and richness to my own life. It is a celebration of life that is beyond value that can be estimated by any monetary means. A precious intangible ray of hope -  that others can also experience through sharing the visions of my work. This experience is the legacy I want to leave behind of the beauty of life, its fragility, its strengths and the clarity of vision we need to observe it with.

A greater intimacy is captured, as I have found ways to access more of the potential of transparent glass texture and glass engraving. I have increased the focus on the subjects and the glass itself has become a canvas to support and contribute to the work rather than a simpler ornament. I use the glass to deepen the relationship with the subject so it is clear and present and in a lot of cases endangered.

It is my desire to celebrate the fragility and beauty of life more fully which has led me to use a larger glass canvas.

Also it is the excitement of working on larger frames of glass that makes my images more real ... bigger the better is often the case and often it wasn't quite large enough!

By using transparent glass I think the three dimensionality (3D) of glass is utilised more fully to reflect the multi dimensionality of nature in reality. For the very same reason the thicker material of glass has become more appealing to me. Individual works reveal a field of flowers or a group of creatures in a way that could not be achieved if the medium was lesser in transparency or thickness.  

I have noticed that engraving on clear transparent glass opens up a wider range of tones than can be accessed when engraving upon only  transparent coloured glass. Clear transparent glass gives the engraver a broader tonal pallet – it reminds me so much of the drawing in lead pencil I used to do in High school. This means that as an artist, I can reveal more of the subject in detail. The ability to reveal more, grants the artist the ability to see more – it allows greater intimacy with the subject. A truly joyful process is achieved. 

Creating this body of work has been a time of personal growth and healing for me. In finding my relationship with the subjects in a deep way I have found more of a peace within myself. As I have embraced the process of engraving, I have been amazed at how much support has come to me from broad horizons to allow me to continue my work. 

In particular I am deeply grateful to:

✧   Kirra Galleries for this exhibition opportunity to push 
my skills and creativity even further once again

✧   Amanda Rouden – this show would not be possible 
without her fine eyes for details, skillful hand in glass 
and love towards nature

✧   The Thomas Foundation and the Canberra Glassworks for 
the fantastic Artists in Residence program 
and the people I have met through the residency experience throughout April this year

✧   Michael Myers the photographer who worked very hard 
to document my glass works in his high standard 
within such limited time frame

✧   Andrew Michell who delivered my work to Kirra Galleries 
in safe and sound

✧   My previous neighbor Wayne who is kindly looking after 
my three cats as well as his own two

✧   Bloodhound FX for their generosity 
provided me the roof above my head

✧   Brian Hirst for his compassion 
opening our show and being such an inspiration

✧   Brendan Coutts, who has kept the faith in me,
whose patience for helping me filter my thoughts 

✧   Margaret Tabone for her knowledge and experience
in art industry, and for her help on promoting my work


✧   Stuart C. Blair, who tuned my drill engraver in top condition 

✧   And to all my other friends, many thanks... Miki  :)