Artist’s Statement
My passion for glass has turned into a full time occupation.
Having studied leadlight & copper foiling in the early 1980’s, it was only natural that warm glass would be the next stepping stone in my glass journey.
After attending many local, state and interstate classes with national & international glass experts, I was also inspired to pass my skills to other students.
Working from my studio in Mackay, Queensland gives me great pleasure to reflect and draw inspirations from the coast and the rainforest.
The versatility of glass from the concept through to the final installation is a wonderful & fulfilling journey.
Beautiful colours, combined with design skills & techniques gives all my finished artwork a truly unique outcome.Biography
My introduction to glass and its beauty began in early 1980 dabbling here and there in
leadlighting & copper foiling.
Many years later in 2003 with the fascination of wanting to persue glass blowing , Mackay TAFE
offered kiln formed glass at certificate level.
I was certainly in love with glass.
Azure Glass blossomed in to what is now my fulltime job, love and second career.
Since the early days I have attended many courses within Australia and overseas to develop skills,
techniques and generally … the adventure in glass.
I have been very fortunate to have received many RADF assisted funding. To undertake
masterclasses at Sculptured Glass in Buderim & at Blue Dog Glass in Melbourne over the last 10
years.
In Australia & overseas I have had the privilege to work alongside and learn from International glass artists Bob Leatherbarrow, Steve Immerman, Patty Grey, Shar Moorman, Richard Parish just to name a few.
The workshops are rewarding, inspiring and a privilege to work with other talented artists, to
extend my knowledge in kiln formed glass processes.
My inspirations come from nature via colour, texture and design. I then have the opportunity to
experiment & push glass to see how it behaves using different techniques.
I love to teach glass techniques to other like minded artists, from beginners through to advanced.
Taking advanced students to further their career in glass art practice is very fulfilling.
Extending techniques, sharing methods and establishing collaborative ventures makes the process
more exciting.
Azure Glass is always looking at pushing the boundaries in construction & heat transformation.
Manipulating glass by using sandblasting, casting, kiln carving,engraving & cold working.
The next chapter is kiln building, to learn how this is done will open up new windows in
construction & delivering them to regional areas of Mackay.
I produce both functional and non functional pieces which are sold via my website to private
artists & collectors.
My glass work is currently on display at Cedar Gallery Eungella, Badilla Art Centre Pinnacle,
Artspace Mackay, Private residences & my studio in Marian Queensland.Influences
My inspirations come from nature via colour, texture and design. I then have the opportunity to
experiment & push glass to see how it behaves using different techniques.
Exhibitions
Current ongoing display 2021-face2022 Cedar Gallery- Enugella Qld
November 2021 Private Exhibition , Marian QldWebsite
Showing all 6 artworks
Grace McDonald
Afternoon Tequilla
2 x 11 x 42 cm Kiln Form Glass $450.00
Grace McDonald
Coral Blue Snake
3 x 11 x 44 cm Kiln Form Glass $650.00
Grace McDonald
Inspired by Mondrian
3 x 24 x 24 cm Kiln Form Glass $300.00
Grace McDonald
Bush Walk
5 x 19 x 450 cm Kiln Formed Glass $750.00
Grace McDonald
Opposites Attract
3 x 20 x 60 cm Kiln Formed Glass $1,000.00