Artist Talk: Brenda Page + Tom Rowney

The Glassworks Artist Talk series is an opportunity for artists in our Artistic Program to share their experiences and experimentations with the arts community in an informal presentation. This public talk will be held in the Canberra Glassworks foyer with light refreshments available. Everyone is welcome and there are absolutely no silly questions. We are all here to learn. 

Brenda Page will be discussing her residency at the Glassworks, together with Tom Rowney who is discussing his time in Mimili (APY Lands).

BRENDA PAGE

Brenda Page’s introduction to glass was while studying fine art at RMIT before transferring to Monash University, where she completed a four-year degree in Ceramic Design with a major in glass, graduating in 1992. Initially attracted to the dynamic and interactive environment of the hot glass studio, she soon recognised the need for a stronger emphasis on the maker's hand in her work. This led her to shift her focus to kiln-formed glass, printmaking, and sculpture.

After graduating, Brenda established studios in various shared artist-run spaces across Melbourne. In 2003, she founded Blue Dog Glass, an open-access studio that has served as a vital hub for Melbourne’s glass community, offering workshops centred on best practices in glass art. Brenda has consistently prioritised elevating glass practices, advocating for high industry standards and innovation. At Blue Dog Glass, she has hosted numerous international artists, organised professional workshops, and led artist retreats worldwide.

Brenda has exhibited extensively both nationally and internationally. Notable solo exhibitions include Craft Victoria, National Glass Centre, and Gabriel Gallery. She has been a finalist in several prestigious awards, including the Tom Malone Prize, Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize, Deakin Small Sculpture Award, Experimental Print Prize, Hobart Art Prize, New Glass Review, and Yering Station Sculpture Award. Brenda has received several significant accolades, including the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award for Sculpture, Yering Station Sculpture Award, and the Walker Street Gallery Award.

TOM ROWNEY

Tom Rowney is an established glass artist specialising in glass blowing based at Canberra Glassworks. With over thirty years’ experience in the field, Tom is renowned as one of the most accomplished glass blowers in Australia. His practice is based on learning, refining, and adapting Venetian glass blowing processes in combination with his joy of making beautifully crafted objects.

Tom continues to be sought after for teaching and fabrication projects by the leading glass studios and artists in Australia and overseas. His works have been collected by the National Gallery of Australia, National Glass Collection – Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Powerhouse Museum, Australian Catholic University Collection, and the Tacoma Museum of Glass (USA).

Recently, his works have shown at Sabbia Gallery (2025, 2024, 2021, 2020) Canberra Glassworks (2023),