Westacott Glass

Growing up in the alpine region of North Eastern Victoria nurtured a lifelong fascination of Australia’s geological formations. Most people are drawn to particular landscapes. I have always had an affinity with mountainous terrains, having explored and lived in the dramatic high country of Victoria, the ancient and weathered Flinders Ranges and now the lush, rainforest covered Blackall Ranges.

My perception of these places has developed an understanding of how our environment has evolved and the desire to express my admiration for this country through my artwork.

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Bee eaters

My first sighting of this beautiful little bird was on ’Susan Island’ in the Clarence River, Northern NSW. The island hosts a large flying fox colony in a thick rainforest sanctuary and it was on one of many visits that I viewed the flash of colour and the dancing flight of this graceful bird.

The island became the site Marguerite and I chose to get married, and a recent aboriginal claim has recognised its heritage value. This glasswork is a tribute to a very special place and time in my life.

Kingfishers

The Paradise Kingfisher design is an extension on the original inspiration after observing Kingfishers on our waterhole at home. Around our home we have turned an empty paddock into a rainforest valley. Our verandah overlooks a large waterhole which is the home of many birds and animals. We have Forest, Azure and Sacred Kingfishers visiting and hunting on the water, inspiring the latest designs of the Paradise Kingfisher.

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This work also captures a fleeting moment. A school of fish swims in unison, as one organism, and yet each exhibiting its own personality. The curve of the body and position of the eye creating the impression of an individual and its will to survive.

A family holiday spent snorkelling on the northern NSW coast gave me the impulse to design this work.

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