Nick Wirdnam can only be described as a perfectionist. He uses traditional techniques, to create beautiful realistic glass forms that adopt the surface, texture and colour of the objects they represent. Seen as powerful symbols these hot formed glass sculptures draw on superstitions resonating with all cultures throughout history.
‘Often drawing on cultural beliefs, personal circumstance or experience we develop systems which offer comfort and security. We invest value in symbols and objects which protect us from misfortune and provide hope and promise. This work employs familiar objects with an historical association of good fortune, hope and consolation.’
The composition of objects arranged into a narrative both attracts and confounds the viewer. His mastery of the medium and technical ability combined with original thought are rare attributes that define him as an artist and make his work desirable and collectable.
Born in Portsmouth, England, Nick Wirdnam became a foundation member of the studio team at Isle of Wight Glass in 1974, where he stayed for the next nine years, producing award winning decorative functional work and art objects. Moving to Australia in 1983, Nick took up a teaching position at Monash University, Melbourne, where he continued to lecture until 2007 inspiring the next generation of glass artists. In 1998, Nick was awarded the Pilchuck Scholarship to attend hot-sculpting classes with Italian master, Dino Rosin and, in 2002, he accepted a residency at North Lands Creative Glass Centre in Caithness, Scotland. Nick has been a consistent finalist in prestigious awards such as the Ranamok Glass Prize, Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize and Tom Malone Prize. He has had numerous solo and group exhibitions both in Australia and overseas, and is represented in major public collections including the National Gallery of Australia, Queensland Art Gallery, National Art Glass Collection at Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Nijima Glass Art Museum (Japan) and the Shanghai Museum of Glass (China).
