Renowned Venetian-style glassblower Tom Rowney has amassed over thirty years of experience in glass blowing; he has fine tuned his techniques and skills in the Venetian- style glass-blowing processes, whilst maintaining a personal touch through his daring, and somewhat precarious, shapes. The works are embellished with exquisite details, from seahorses framing the stems of glasses to snakeskin-like patterns within the glass.
Aventurine Spirit shows two distinct areas of exploration for Rowney. The main gallery will house a collection of exquisite vessels with kaleidoscope-like patterns, while the Smokestack will sparkle with his opulent seahorse stemmed goblets and candelabras. His use of highly decorative techniques, goldleaf and bold colour is a key feature of his designs which exudes bling and frippery.
Tom Rowney, Seahorse Goblets, 2022–23, blown glass. Photograph: Adam McGrath
Exhibition curator Caroline Field says:
“There is an anarchy involved here with the artist throwing caution to the wind before reigning it all in to produce something new, raw, powerful, and magical. Today, working at the height of his innovative powers, Rowney presents as a modest, yet revolutionary and rebellious force shaping the nature of contemporary Australian glass art.”
Tom Rowney, Bronze Low Form – Tesserae Series, 2022, blown glass. Photograph: Adam McGrath
Canberra Glassworks
9 March to 7 May 2023
Australian Capital Territory
