As one of Australia’s leading glass art institutions, the Canberra Glassworks residencies programs are a sought-after learning experience. The Glassworks has announced the 2023 Artist in Residence program with artists from all stages of their careers taking part.

This year’s program will see 18 participants offered guidance from the experienced team of artists, as well as full access to the kilns and creative facilities on site. People are coming from across Australia and as far as the United States to undertake the program. The coveted Canberra Glassworks Mentorship was awarded to early career artist Rose-Mary Faulkner, a Canberra local, who will work with renowned artist Harriet Schwarzrock on further developing her neon glassmaking skills.

“I am just starting to explore the process of neon bending and want to really understand this technique. I have recently started to explore the incorporation of curved neon lines with my kiln-formed work to distinguish the forms within the imagery, so this mentorship will assist me to develop the skills to further this line of enquiry,” says Ms Faulkner.

Since graduating from the ANU School of Art and Design in 2017, Ms Faulkner has undertaken residencies at Megalo Print Studio in Kingston and Northlands Creative in Scotland as well as exhibiting on home soil and abroad. The potential which the medium of glass offered the artist was the initial attraction; even after 10 years, she says it is still as exciting and daunting as ever.

“I have only touched the surface of the possibilities of what this medium can achieve when manipulated and altered using light, colour, material, form, texture, and line. Walking through the Canberra Glassworks is a testament to this – from one desk or space to the next there is something entirely different with a different process or finish or artistic expression. It’s super inspiring and very humbling,” she says.

Thrilled to have been selected for the mentorship, Ms Faulkner says that like every other career, being an artist has ebbs and flows and it can often be like finding your feet all over again. Being able to access expert advice and guidance through the Glassworks residency will offer a way of furthering her artistic development and moving her work in a meaningful direction.

“There has been a sense of unease knowing which direction to push my work, which techniques I really want to refine, and certainly juggling the creative side with the practical side of running a business and earning an income,” she says.

The artist is no stranger to the Glassworks, having accessed, hired and been an active part of the community there since she started university back in 2013. Ms Faulkner says there isn’t another facility like it in the country, with the equipment, mentorship, and opportunities unique to the space, while the supportive community only adds to its charm.

“In addition to making work, I have worked for CGW in different capacities including teaching, taking tours, working for the production team and supporting visiting artists or artists in residence to make their work,” she says.

Keen to see some of Rose-Mary Faulkner’s pieces and feel like a road trip? The artist will be exhibiting works in The Other Art Fair at the Cutaway at Barangaroo in Sydney on 11-14 May.

Find out more about the Canberra Glassworks at canberraglassworks.com

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