DETAILS
Ticketed
Studio Dokola and Coles Neon Shop
Cromwell Parade, West Footscray VIC, Australia
DATES
Fri 16 May 9am – 5.30pmBook now
Workshop runs from 16/05 until 19/05 with the glassblowing to be held at venue Studio Dokola on the 16th and neon making at Coles Neon Shop on the 17, 18, 19th.Limited availability
This four-day workshop invites participants to explore the intersection of molten glassblowing and neon illumination. Perfect for designers, artists, and makers, the course focuses on creating luminous sculptural works that combine vibrant colours, bold forms, and atmospheric light.
On the first day, participants will work in the glassblowing studio, designing and crafting sculptural forms with an emphasis on shape, scale, and color. These creations will then be transformed in the neon bending studio over the following three days, where participants will learn the fundamentals of single-electrode plasma techniques. The course will highlight both kinetic and atmospheric lighting effects, showcasing how light interacts with form to produce unique outcomes.
Participants will gain hands-on experience with the tools, layouts, and processes of both workshops while receiving expert guidance from skilled instructors. By the end of the workshop, attendees will have created two or more illuminated sculptures and developed the skills to combine glass and light in innovative ways.
This workshop is perfect for those from fields using material knowledge who want to expand their practice, as well as intermediate-level makers eager to experiment with illuminated art. As spots are limited for this class, they are granted on an application. Follow the booking link for more information and to apply.
Participants
Billy Crellin, Studio Dokola
Studio Dokola is a small glassblowing studio in West Footscray based on the lands of the Kulin Nation. The studio was founded in 2024 by glass maker Billy Crellin. Studio Dokola is focused on transforming historical and provocative design elements into modern, functional glass objects. The studio embraces the cyclical nature of design, leveraging concepts like re-melting and revival to create unique, contemporary products. The studio runs several events throughout the year, including tableware and lighting productions, public workshop and courses, collaborations, open days and demonstrations.
Steven Cole, Coles Neon Shop
Steven is a bit of a late comer to exhibiting in the world of art although Steven has been drawing and painting from a young age. There were things in his life that took him away from the passion. This creative void was somewhat filled by learning the art of becoming a neon craftsman while using the talent to make neon art pieces for his own pleasure. Steven has now with almost 40 years of honing the craft. As a contemporary visual artist Steven’s heartfelt works are symbolic, they are drawn from personal feelings, experiences & living with a form of anxiety, Steven also enjoys using neon as a light form to create works, possibilities for experimentation in the medium of neon and plasma with their illuminating qualities. The art of illuminated glass was developed as an art and light source prior to neon becoming a commercialised as neon signage. One of Steven’s proudest work is a dedication to his father, the original neon maker of the current Skipping girl “little Audrey” model, which has dawned the Melbourne skyline for many decades.