Australian Glass Artist Erin Conron uses the simplicity of a perfect blown shape, then builds upon it creating layers and depth. Erin relates her finished pieces to the complexity of human life, the process of building layers upon layers which reflect memories and experiences in each individual. The result is contemplative, looking through the glass to hidden meanings and beauty.
Artist Statement
I am interested in the way we are affected individually by common experiences. It is the similarities in life that ultimately result in creating our differences. Simple, daily experiences in life leave marks, traces and memories that accumulate within us to form and shape our complex identities. The development of my work has been a consideration of the collective and the personal, the interior and the exterior, seeking balance in the combination of elements. These ideas are reflected in my working process. Each piece is created over time through a series of steps, which unite to result in depth and complexity through the layering of simple linear pattern. The vehicle for expression in this work is the blown glass vessel, which acts as a canvas for the layering of linear pattern. The layered pattern evokes a lifetime of experiences and memories that have built up to shape the identity of an individual.
Curriculum Vitae
Education
- 2007 – 2008 Honours, Visual Arts, Glass Major, Canberra School of Art, ANU
- 2004 – 2007 Bachelor Visual Arts, Glass Major, Canberra School of Art, ANU
- 2003 Cert IV, Design Studies, Canberra Institute Technology
Selected Exhibitions
2011
- The Waterhouse Natural History Art Prize, South Australian Museum and National Archives, ACT
- Drink! Canberra Glassworks
- Erin Conron and Linzie Ellis, M16 Artspace
- Kaleidascope, Ausglass Conference Exhibition
2009
- Limited Lines, Canberra Glassworks
- Talente, Design Exhibition, Munich, Germany
2008
- Salute IV: Sabbia’s Stable, Sabbia Gallery
- Canberra School of Art Graduating Student Exhibition, Canberra School of Art, ANU
- Layer: Reflections on Place, Erin Conron and Ruth Oliphant, Canberra Glassworks
- Ranamok Glass Prize, finalist, touring Australia
- Mid Year Honours Grad Show, SofA Gallery, ANU
- National Gallery of Australia, Emerging Artsist Award, representation in gallery retail space
- Cowra Festival Art Awards, Cowra Regional Gallery
- Open Slather, Ausglass Conference, SofA Gallery, ANU
2007
- Canberra School of Art Graduating Student Exhibition, Canberra School of Art, ANU
- Ceremonial Vessels for the Drinking of Water, in conjunction with ANU School of Art, Canberra City
Collections
- Kaplan Ostergard Glass Collection, Palm Springs Art Museum, Palm Springs, CA, USA
Publications
- 2010 New Glass Review 31, Published by the Corning Museum of Glass, Corning New York.
- 2009 Talent 2009 Exhibition Catalogue, 2009, published in association with the International Crafts Fair in Munich, Germany.
Professional Positions, Awards and Activities
2011
- Highly Commended, Waterhouse Natural History Art Prize.
- State Representative for Ausglass, Australian Glass Artists Association.
2010
- Selected Artist, New Glass Review, published by the Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, NY
- State representative for Ausglass
- Tutor, teaching assistant and studio assistant Canberra Glassworks
2009
- Finalist, Talente, International Design Competition, Munich, Germany
- Tutor, teaching assistant and studio assistant Canberra Glassworks
2008
- Finalist, Ranamok Glass Prize, national touring exhibition throughout Australia.
- Acquisition Award, Canberra School of Art Graduating Exhibition.
- Kugler Award for Innovation at Ausglass Conference Exhibition
- Technical Assistant to Jessica Loughlin spring master class Transition: Idea to Object Canberra Glassworks,
- Tutor, teaching assistant and studio assistant Canberra Glassworks
- Co-ordinator Ausglass Conference Exhibition
2007
- National Gallery of Australia Emerging Artist Award
- Technical Assistant to Giles Bettison Canberra School of Art Summer Education Program