WATHAURONG GLASS November 2019

WATHAURONG GLASS

November 2019

Art Glass

Detail - slumped glass platter

When an art develops a signature style it secures its place in the visual lexicon – art that is recognizably by a particular ‘hand’ is understood to have achieved that significant position. Wathaurong Glass is just such a creation – somehow, in Geelong, a whole tribe has come together to achieve unique artworks, together, an amazing and inspirational contrast to the often ego-driven individualism of the ‘western’ artworld.

In 1998 the Wathaurong Glass company was formed to express Aboriginal art in glass. The techniques used to produce their products include the use of kiln forming (slumping glass), sandblasting and any other technique felt suitable to achieve a desired result.

Great pride is taken in producing unique artwork with the net result of high quality glass products. Current products include: slumped window and door glass, kitchen and bathroom splashbacks, platters, bowls and corporate gifts, and unique awards and trophies in glass. Wathaurong Glass also works on commercial commissions without cultural connotations such as glass light lenses, corporate logos and kiln formed textured glass.

Located in Geelong, Wathaurong Glass (WG) supplies and arranges delivery of all products Australia wide – an art in itself.

Wathaurong Glass began life when RMIT University and ATSIC came together to address employment opportunities for local people – all employees/co-operative members of WG are indigenous. Mark Edwards has been leading the ‘adventure’ for all 20 years of the group’s existence and when tough times threatened, (and they did), he managed to hold the group together and continue the project which now sees WG as a highly successful small business.

Detail - Slumped glass platter

The name WATHAURONG (wathawurrung or wadda wurrung) is a recognised Aboriginal tribe, comprised of 25 clans. The boundaries of Wathaurong are from Geelong (Victoria), North to Werribee River, North West to Bacchus Marsh, South West to Cressy, South East to Colac, East to Lorne & North back to Geelong encompassing the Bellarine Peninsula.

Wathaurong Glass is a not for profit business owned by the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative Ltd which is an Aboriginal community-controlled organization, structured so that the community of Wathaurong and the broader community are the beneficiaries of any profit. Where possible Wathaurong Glass purchases its raw materials from the local community believing this is better for Geelong and the environment (less transport emissions). This sensitive wholistic approach to sourcing and creation is indicative of a fine co-operative ethos such as underpins so much positive and inspirational indigenous thinking and practice and provides a great living example to the young.

WINDOWSPACE BEEAC is privileged to host the fine work of this tribe.

Hand-painted - translucent glass platter

Bush toys in window by BRONWYN RAZEM!