Gals of Glazz - episode 1

Hi there and welcome to my latest hair brained scheme! Well, not really hair brained, maybe new 'project' is a better word? It's called "Gals of Glazz". I know so many talented lady glass makers I wanted to do a little promo for them. I always love reading about other artists and seeing what they are up to (nosey I know) so I thought it would be fun to launch my own little project. It's also kinda nice to have a new thing to work on just for the fun of it. Each week I am going to feature a glassy gal on here and my fb page. I'm interested to see how many I can get! The more and more I think about it, I realise how many amazing women I know. I started off at home but turns out I actually know quite a few overseas lady makers too! So stay tuned for locals and a few overseas makers too. (I kinda then hatched the idea that the end goal might be I would like to try and get it published in print form....we will see...)

So here goes, the very first instalment of "Gals of Glazz".

My first lady that I would like to introduce you to is my good friend George Agius. Well know for her almost edible pieces, think doughnuts, plums and pears, fairy sprinkles... Georgie makes incredible art and has also assisted me to make my work. I love her work! I met Georgie how I met many of these talented broads, at the Jam in Adelaide. Like me, George went through as an associate. The kinds of works George makes are bright and beautiful, takes lots of her inspiration from family and food. One of my favourite pieces of hers are her incredible egg glasses! Oh and her pineapple pieces! So here we go have a read, and get to know our first gal of glazz, George Agius.

Gals of Glazz

Tune in for 10

1.             Who are you and what do you do?

My name is George Agius and I am a glass artist originally from New Zealand but now based in Adelaide. I came to Adelaide to partake in the two-year training program at the JamFactory and have made this city my home. In my work memory, heritage and ancestry are explored and I aim to display these narratives in a way that is familiar and yet unsettling to the viewer to evoke the awareness of the absent figure. Through glass objects I aim to conjure contemplative nostalgia in the viewer.

2.             What do you make?

My production work stems from my artistic practice. I make small sculptures like Christmas Puddings, Pears and Plums and Ice Cream cups. In terms of my art works they are increasingly becoming more personal and tend to be related to objects that stimulate memory and result in a whimsical aesthetic (think table settings, family imagery, hot water bottles and food).

3.             Why do you make?

Tough question. I guess I love coming up with a concept and the entire process that comes with creating, drawing, research, experimentation and finally seeing your idea come to fruition. It is very satisfying for the soul.

4.             What’s you colour palette?

Whatever suits the design or concept…I tend to use a lot of opaque colours rather than transparent’s.

5.             What’s your proudest achievement?

Mmmm I guess it was creating my work “Whanau: A Breakfast for Ancestors” and watching my usually quite emotionally controlled Mother become overwhelmed, it was a special moment for me.

6.             Hot or Cold?

The hotter the better.

7.             What’s your dream project?

To create an artwork for a major Australian or international gallery is the dream for me…nothing like dreaming big right?

8.             What’s your influences?

Family and memories are what influence my work; more specifically my Grandmother and Mum, their stories, our cultural heritage and of course their cooking.

9.             What’s coming up for you? Or what are you looking forward to?

I have my first solo show next year which I am super pumped about.

I am also going home to New Zealand for Christmas with the family where I plan on raiding the photo albums and family archives for inspiration for my show…as well as having a good G and T with my Mum on the deck whilst we natter and watch the lambs frolicking in the paddocks below.

10.         If you could only eat 3 foods for the rest of your life what would they be?

Sushi, Mums chocolate chip cookies and pineapples.

Thanks so much Georgie! Can't wait to see what you come up with for your solo! If you wanna check out more of George's work head to her sweet web site which you can click on here .