Where did your journey in glass begin? 

I learned to blow glass at Southern Illinois University while completing a BFA. My first glass class was in 1999. I had never seen glass being blown before. I had never even thought of how it was made. I took the class because my girlfriend was taking it and they needed more students that semester. 

I was instantly obsessed. It’s sooooo hard to do. I just kept going in and trying and trying and trying. 

How has working in Aotearoa shaped your sensibility as a maker? 

Aotearoa has a very unique aesthetic. While I am influenced by old glass manufacturing houses in Europe and America I have also been very much influenced by my time in New Zealand. There is, here, a very unique style of architecture, that is all about simplicity of material and closeness to the elements that I really appreciate. In my work I have found this same kind of timeless beauty in simple forms and simple colours. 

Tell us a little about the workshop. What kind of atmosphere do you like your creative space to hold? 

I set up my workshop in Kingsland at the end of 2025. It is fairly new to me and I am still finding the right space and furniture for everything. I want everything to have it's own clean place, where it is easy to find. A space that is easy to work in. Music. I encourage people to visit, to watch, to just hang out. I want to make things in a calm place. To me it is the only way to make complicated things in an efficient and enjoyable way. Where do you find yourself returning for inspiration? I think I am just always watching, looking, touching, feeling and inspecting the objects and things around me. Whether it's a tree, a flower or objects in an op shop or the interior elements of an architecturally designed home, all these things inspire me. My work has led me to meet and develop friendships with many of Auckland’s artists and craftsmen. 

What are you currently developing, and where are you finding challenge or momentum in the work?

 I'm always developing new things. Right now I’m focusing on a line of vessels (vases, and decorative pieces) and some table lamps. The challenges and momentum in my work are in the large installations that I do. The things I make are very limited by the size of the equipment I have in the studio. So, I have been making smaller objects that can be hung or arranged in large groups. There is a lot of challenge in how these pieces are held in place and a lot of momentum in the direction of large installations. I find it very interesting and exciting. 

After all these years with the material, what still surprises you about glass? 

I don't know if it is surprise but I am always amazed at the glass pieces that come out of the annealer in the morning. Especially when I am making multiples. We just turn this molten puddle of glass into beautiful objects... it's magic.