2024 Internship Programme
New Zealand Glassworks is proud to offer our first Internship Programme in 2024. Two emerging New Zealand Glass Artists; Bindi Nimmo and Nathan Moore, were selected to undertake a professional development and training opportunity at NZG. Throughout the course of the year, Bindi and Nathan are working closely with five professional Mentors to hone their skills in the hotshop and develop essential business skills to pursue a career in glass.
NZG is committed to providing learning opportunities for the next generation of glass artists. With the generous support of Creative New Zealand, we are thrilled to see Nathan and Bindi’s skills and confidence with the material grow and develop. Thanks to our five professional Mentors; Elizabeth McClure, Katie Brown, George Agius, Lewis Batchelar and Madeline Prowd, all exceptionally skilled and experienced glass artists.
Nathan: As an artist I am inspired by the properties of glass, it’s such a unique material. Molten glass flows and moves, creating soft and graceful forms. I have been experimenting with ways these properties can be used to affect how light travels through the material exploring cold-finishing techniques to produce interesting optical effects. Working with the professional mentors has provided incredible opportunities to gain and improve essential skills for working with glass. Each mentor has unique approaches and insights into the many techniques and traditions of the art form.
Bindi: I have always been fascinated by colours and the human connection to colour. The theory behind why certain tones can evoke emotion, or memory for a person, is what drives my work. My connection to the world is a very colourful one and I am fascinated by atmosphere and space and how it can determine a sense of knowing. I take inspiration from things that are obscure, otherworldly, or organic. However, I hope to master the technical aspects of glassblowing before I expand to abstract form.
Throughout the internship program I have been exploring ideas relating to surface texture, colour application, pattern and colour philosophy. A particular focus is to improve my hand skills and my knowledge of the materials nature in order to understand its possibilities and limitations.
The exchange and connection within the glass community is very important, so having the opportunity to work with five professional mentors throughout the internship has been hugely beneficial. The diversity between all their strengths is such a valuable tool in our development and has enabled me to grow immensely as an artist.
NZG will be presenting the 2024 Internship Showcase from 3-13 December 2024. An opening reception will be from 5pm 6th December - All Welcome
