enjoy delving into the Artists' Biographies
Lee Howes
My art glass practice is very diverse and has taken on many forms over the past 30 years. My recent works centre around 3D printed components which are then cast to form complex puzzles in glass that fit together perfectly. The 3D printing allows me to make objects in glass that can be achieved through traditional casting methods. The puzzles are particularly appealing to me as I love all things maths related and I love solving puzzles.
Newcastle born and bred I started my professional career as a PE teacher but chose to stay at home to bring up our 3 boys. This led to a lot of home renovating including an introduction to leadlights. I did an 8-week course and soon fell in love with glass and making windows. I completed all the windows in our house and was soon making windows for houses, then churches and more. In 1993 I turned this hobby into a business and worked out of our shed. The boys went off to school and I built a bigger shed to house my growing business. I purchased a kiln initially to do stained glass repair, but the kiln held so many new wonders. I did some short courses on kiln forming and casting and then off I went. I worked from here for many years while the boys grew and finished their schooling. In 2016 we purchased an old bank in Hunter Street Newcastle and converted the downstairs to a studio and gallery and the top story into a residence. This is where I am today. I now have my middle son Zac working with me, he has taken over the leadlight side of the business and I concentrate on Art glass and corporate awards and commissions.
Prizes
Ranamok Glass Prize finalist
Waterhouse Prize Finalist.
Emerge international Glass Prize finalist 2016.
Australian of the Year Awards Commission 2015 – 2017.
Vicki Torr Glass Prize Winner 2011, 2019.
Finalist – Ausglass International Year of Glass Award 2023.
Sculptures at Scratchley – The Garden Shed