Lou Mathieson - Over the Garden Wall : Magnolia & bird 2024

I have been working with glass for twenty plus years after graduating with a BA in Applied Arts (glass major) followed by a Post Grad Secondary Teaching Dip.
I live and work on the North Shore of Auckland, NZ, in a lovely village by the sea - Devonport .
Glass is my passion, I’ve taught casting to adults and children through a community education glass programme at MAC (Mairangi Arts Centre) since 2010.
My work is held in many collections both here and internationally.
I enjoy every stage of the casting process, particularly the beginning stage of carving and building components in wax and defining what will be the end form in crystal glass
It is a long, unglamorous industrial process, that works within the constraints of gravity and long held casting rules to make glass melt and flow
I'm free to express myself with carving in the form of flowers and birds in my work to capture light and reflection . 
I think it is the material itself and my need to want to be a maker that keeps me curious and drives me forward to learn more and to make beautiful things