Main Gallery 6 - 30 November 2024
TOM ROWNEY – Tesserae
Sabbia Gallery is pleased to present this solo exhibition of new works in glass by Tom Rowney.
For more than three decades, I have been inspired by the rich traditions of Venetian glassmaking. My work draws from the history of the craft, blending classical techniques with contemporary influences to explore the qualities of glass—transparency, opacity, and the interplay of bold, colourful combinations. These works invite the viewer to engage closely with each piece, discovering the nuances of the pattern within the form.
My glass journey began at Budgeree glass factory in Port Adelaide, run by Nick Mount. In these new works, I am referencing forms I saw being made while working at the Factory, the ones that really caught my eye. I have been looking for these pieces, and sometimes find them in op shops. This practice of looking back is not for nostalgia, but is a conscious effort to understand where I began and how far I have come in my own artistic glassblowing path.
In my work, I have focused on expanding the traditional murrini technique. In this way it allows me to create pieces that are both a homage to the past and a contemporary twist on the skill that I have spent decades learning. My aim is to create beautiful, decorative objects that provide the viewer with a sense of wonder, prompting the question—how did he make that?
Tom Rowney, 2024