Philips work is interesting not only for its visual beauty, but for its playful character.
Years of perfecting his skills with hot glass show in each piece where he seems to celebrate the making process, using it as inspiration for the final creation.
His pieces bubble and drip, twirl and twist as if to remind you of the amazing transformation they have been through to reach this point. The result is a static but fluid object that is both beautiful and mesmerizing. Please enjoy the unique creations of Philip Stokes Studio Glass.

Artist Name: Philip Stokes
Artist Location: 20 Gwynne Street, Cremorne (Richmond) Victoria 3121
Type of Work – Medium: Hot Glass
How would you describe your style of work?
Contemporary Art Glass which embraces the sculptural and optical qualities in glass.
With a broad range of production items and various art export commissions for hotels in the Asia Pacific region, my style has diversified dramatically in the past ten years.
Much of my work has been inspired by the sculptural possibilities of the human form, the organisation of muscularture and the fluity of movement in dance. The continual momentum of physical life is captured in the streamlined contours and shapes.
My glass works are spontaneously created in the highly choreographed process of hot glass. I hope to echo the dance and rhythm of life in the dynamic colours and contours of the glass; creating a dialogue between its viscous and sinuous qualities.
Improvisation and chance are both elements that I enjoy and exploit, both in the hot glass process and in the final installation.

Are you formally educated or self-taught?
I have a degree with honours from Monash University which I completed in 2000, but really my skills and work have mostly developed through 10 years of working in my own studio. Becoming a master glass blower takes a lifetime of trial and error and a desire to experiment and push the limitations of the material. I am always learning new skills and innovating with process to discover new designs and in the completion of commissioned works.

Who or what inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?
The process of working with hot glass has inspired me tremendously. The need to be engaged with a team of up to 6 to produce large-scale installations has been challenging and exciting; akin to a theatrical performance. The material itself, flowing in front of you at 1100 degrees celsius is an inspiration in itself.
I am also inspired by the American forefathers of the studio glass movement, namely Dale Chihuly and William Morris and Italian master glass blower Lino Tagliapietra, who has shared his comprehensive knowledge of the Venetian technique with contemporary artists.
Ideas come from the influence of my theatrical past but also through working in collaboration with other artists, and through developing concepts for commissions and specific projects. Being forced to work outside ones comfort zone opens up such wonderous opportunities to explore new visual possibilities and to make new work.
Ideas also spring directly from the making process; I may be half way through making a piece and see something which triggers ideas for another. It is a real adventure and important to remain receptive and open to suggestion from those working in the team and from the material itself.

Where can readers see / buy your work?
My work is available to see and purchase from my studio and gallery at 20 Gwynne Street Cremorne (Richmond) VIC 3121 and from my online shop at www.pssg.com.au.Â
From the 21st to the 25th February I will be at Life Instyle (trade show) in Sydney presenting my work.
My work is also stocked at the following galleries and design retailers.
Melbourne
Veronica George Gallery – Armadale
Glass Plus Gallery – South Melbourne
Modern Times – Fitzroy
Craft Victoria – Melbourne
The Studio @ Flinders Gallery – Flinders
Metroplis Gallery – Geelong
Sydney
Glass Artists Gallery – Glebe
Art at the Bluegum – Balmain
Sturt – Mittagong
Argyle Gallery – The Rocks Sydney
Canberra
Canberra Glassworks – Kingston
Europe
Gallery Sikabonyi – Vienna Austria
Hong Kong
Gaffer Ltd – Hong Kong

Do you have any words of advice for aspiring artists / creators?
Work hard! Making breeds making. Habit is the parent of all art. Don’t sit around waiting to be inspired as all the inspiration comes in the making process. The reward in a creative career is freedom and the privilege to earn an income from something that you are inspired by and truly enjoy. Making art for people to appreciate is one of my greatest pleasures.

Glass blowing is such a unique process that I thought you may enjoy this video of Philip in action in his studio. Interested in learning more about glass blowing? Philip also runs workshops in his studio where an intimate group of 4 people learn basic techniques of this fascinating and rather magical art. To book your place in the next class please check his website for further details.
Enjoy!
Cheers
Hermit xoxo
craft tv: Amorphous from Craft on Vimeo.