Laurie Young

Laurie Young, born in San Jose, California, became interested in fusing and warm glass after moving to Australia, where she began experimenting with kiln formed glass in Gippsland in 1984. 

 

After spending a number of years working as a disability worker and then as a psychiatric social worker, she returned to her first passion and began working with glass on a full time basis in 2000. Laurie has appeared in many publications, workshops, and exhibitions over the years. Never a minimalist, she rejoices in the complexities, richness, and abundance of life, and endeavours to embody this through her work.

Particularly in these complicated times, Laurie is fascinated by the joyfulness and playfulness of life, and how that can be expressed through glass. The unique properties of colour and motion in glass allow much freedom and expression to be conveyed through her works.

Working mainly in the ancient French technique of “Pâte de Verre”, Laurie is able to incorporate precise and intricate colour placement with the use of powdered and fritted glass. She combines this technique with aspects of casting, fusing, flamework, and slumping.

Laurie often collaborates with her husband Christian Arnold to produce beautiful glass pieces. Today, they can both be found at Wooby Lane Gallery where they work as owners to proudly showcase the work of Australian and New Zealand artists in the serene Salamanca Place.