Tasmanian Glass Artist Peter Bowles Clinches Tom Malone Prize 2025
Tasmanian-based glass artist Peter Bowles has been honoured with the Tom Malone Glass Art Prize 2025 for his exceptional artwork, Quiescent Object: Kepler-186F. This prestigious award, Australia's longest-running acquisitive prize for contemporary glass, includes a $20,000 grant for the winning artist.
A Journey of Artistic Excellence
Bowles, a previous finalist on four occasions, was selected from a shortlist of 24 artists. The announcement was made on March 12 at Linton & Kay Galleries in Cottesloe, where the finalists' works will be exhibited until April 6. Born in Birmingham, Bowles studied visual arts at Curtin University before relocating to Northern Tasmania. He is the co-founder and director of the independent glass studio and gallery Glass Manifesto, alongside his partner and fellow glass artist Anne Clifton.
The Winning Artwork: A Technical Marvel
Quiescent Object: Kepler-186F is a complex piece crafted from neodymium and cobalt-tinted striking phosphate opal glass, overlaid with opaque coloured glasses. It features a blown, cut, ground, and hand-lapped pumice finish. Bowles described the work as a paradox, stating, "I've never been so sure, and at the same time, so unsure about this work. It's a genuine paradox that I'm still having to reconcile." He emphasised that it took over 40 years of glassmaking to achieve this level of artistry, highlighting the complexity of its creation and the simplicity of its presence.
Historical Inspiration and Modern Innovation
The artwork's origins trace back to 18th-century glass recipes from the Stourbridge area in the UK. Bowles had the rare opportunity to review archival recipe books early in his career, which he described as "like hearing voices from the past, an echo, and for me the start of a new investigation." He reworked the chemistry to make the recipes less toxic and adapted them for use in his studio. After a year of testing and modifications, he developed a glass that allows precise control over transparency, translucency, and opacity during the making process.
Judges' Acclaim and Personal Gratitude
The Tom Malone Glass Art Prize, established in 2003 by Art Gallery of WA Foundation governor Elizabeth Malone, was judged this year by Dante Marioni, Dr Stefano Carboni, and Dr Robert Cook. They praised Bowles' technical skill and innovation. Bowles expressed his thrill at the recognition, saying, "I'm absolutely thrilled to have this work acknowledged by such an esteemed panel of judges." He also extended gratitude to his partner Anne Clifton for her unwavering support, patience, and artistic spirit, which he noted were integral to the work's development.
The exhibition at Linton & Kay Galleries in Cottesloe runs until April 6, offering art enthusiasts a chance to view this award-winning piece and other shortlisted works.
