A SOUTH Australian artist is contributing to a renewed interest in specialty glassware from the Italian island of Murano, with his own adaptations of traditional glass techniques.
Giles Bettison’s first attempts were prompted by a visit from an American artist to the Canberra School of Art in 1993.
“He had returned after virtually launching the glass movement in Australia in the 1970s, this time bringing two artists who demonstrated the Murano techniques,” said Giles.
“I was a student there and thought it presented so many possibilities, so started trying to find out everything I could about how it evolved over the years.”
He found objects dating back 4000 years, long before speciality glassware was associated with Murano artisans.
Speciality glassware disappeared around the 1700s and was rediscovered in the mid 1830s, when the owners of the famous Venice and Murano glass houses decided on a return to ancient techniques.
Experimentation and a collaboration of kiln and glass workers inspired Bettison’s adaptation of the famous glassware.
After discovering coloured sheet glass stocked for another visiting artist, he wondered whether it could be used to create “that stripy Murano effect” when cut.
While Bettison’s earlier attempts resulted from trial and error, his proficiency now means he is more willing to “go out on a limb”.
The process is partly similar to glass-blowing, but is intensive with up to 20 individual steps involving hot and cold glass techniques.
His collection Range, inspired from a multicultural journey, is on show at FORM Gallery, King Street Arts Centre, 357 Murray Street, Perth, until January 30.