TEGAN JANE EMPSON

Tegan’s blown glass figurative work is skillful, humorous and beautiful. She pays great attention to detail and works hard at producing seamless products

Born in Perth in 1975, Tegan completed a BA (Art), majoring in Ceramics and Glass from Curtin University in 1995. Tegan then completed a two year design associateship within the glass studio at JamFactory Craft and Design Centre, SA. From 1999 onwards she has established her own practice as a glass designer/maker focusing on limited edition production glass, commissions and work for exhibition.

In 2005 Tegan underwent a year of fulltime study at the South Australian School of Art within the University of South Australia. This year of intensive research resulted in a Bachelor of Visual Art (Honours 1st class). The work that has continued to develop from this period of research has been positively received.

Now the main focus of her practice is to build upon her profile as an exhibiting artist both in Australia and overseas, with representation at Art London in 2007,'08 and in the USA at S.O.F.A. Chicago in 2008, 2009 and 2010..

Of the bunny series, Tegan writes:

"Part portrait, part modern day idol, part worry doll?

These hybridized blown glass figures (inspired by my Chinese sign, the Rabbit) continue my research spanning ancient to present day ‘pop culture’ manifestations of the human and animal form.

From my desire to create work of an emotive nature, this series incorporates more human sensibilities by evoking the thoughts and emotions derived from simple movements and small gestures of the everyday."