Blue Mountains Artists Company: Member Profile

Leslie Hunter

Lampworked glass necklace with semi precious gemstones, Thai and Indian silver

I am inspired by the drama of glass. The factors that influence my work are elusive – more internal than external – but possibly stem from early travels through Japan, Asia, India and Europe. Glass has become the medium through which I can channel a natural eye for design and colour, capturing those influences in a luxurious and tactile form. My work involves lampworking and kiln firing numerous types of glass with a special love of ‘funky’ Dichroic with its spectacular colours and dramatic reaction to firing. My range covers the spectrum, from richly discreet cufflinks to fabulous Opera length lampworked necklaces. Working with glass takes me to a place where the creativity is immediate and everything else is blocked out. It is therapeutic and meditative – simple joy in a complex world.

I import most of my glass and all of my jewellery ‘findings’ from around the world – England, the USA, Mexico, Thailand and Porto Rico. I love the thrill of the chase in discovering and incorporating these ‘findings’ into my work in much the same way as I loved shell and pebble hunting on the beaches of New Zealand as a child. Most of all I love the fact that my artwork brings beauty to other people’s lives.”

In early 2008 I was selected to participate in Rosemount Australian Fashion Week and in August 08 I was again selected to participate in the inaugural Sydney Fashion Festival. This has led to many opportunities for which I’m grateful.

My work is featured in www.thewhitebook.com and in www.seekingdesigners.com It has also been used by stylists for Harper’s Bazaar and the Sydney Emporium. You can check it out on my website at www.cicadasymphony.com.au

Woodlands Studio which I share with my husband, Vic, is open to the public most weekends between 10am and 4pm. The address is 25 Nelson Avenue, Wentworth Falls in the beautiful Blue Mountains of New South Wales.

A poet by nature and glass artist by passion, I seem to have an entrepreneurial spirit, which, along with my training in film production, is hopefully being put to good effect as CEO of the Blue Mountains Artists Company.

Dichroc Glass Neckpiece

Lampworked glass necklace with semi precious gemstone, silver dipped spacers

Dichroic Glass Neckpiece

Lampworked glass necklace with semi precious gemstones, gold dipped spacers