James McMurtrie Glass Blowing
James McMurtrie’s glass art reflects an intimate connection with Victoria's Grampians District in South Eastern Australia.
Our Story
“Working with tools, similar to those dating back to the first century B.C. fills me with a sense of appreciation for the history and tradition of the old techniques. Glass blowing proves to be an exciting medium which allows me to experiment and express my ideas with immediate results on a daily basis.”
-James McMurtrie, Victoria, Australia
I've always enjoyed using my hands to make things and to discover how things worked. It is a normal part of life growing up on a farm, where the practical application of knowledge is of fundamental importance. But having a creative mother with a passion for textiles meant that art also played a large part in my childhood experiences. An awareness of colour, design and form as they are reflected in the natural landscape, combined with a strong practical bent meant it was only a matter of time before I found a outlet for my creative expression.
Under the guidance of ceramicist John Eagle, I explored the possibilities and enjoyed the process of making something beautiful out of a raw medium – clay. I find the firing process fascinating, and opening a kiln to look at the results of days work is an exciting moment that continues to thrill me. My early work with clay led me even greater imaginings, and I soon discovered my love of glass.
Glass captures the world in a whole different light. Its fluidity and availability to achieve instant results reflects my desire to create beauty and interpret the world in which I live.
My partner Christina Trace and I operate a studio and gallery in Pomonal, on the edge of the Grampians National Park (Gariwerd) in Western Victoria. Open most days or by appointment, the public are welcome to visit our studio where they can watch glass blowing in action or browse our gallery where we offer a wide range of glass artworks, ceramics, sculptures, and other items produced by us or by our artist friends.
Featured works
Click thumbnail to open lightbox
Bowls plates and bottles.
Vases and vessels.
Click thumbnail to open Lightbox
Sculptural and outdoor.
Click thumbnail to open Lightbox
