29 August 2014 / leggypeggy

Run amok at Ranamok—just don’t break anything

‘The Magpie’s Hoard’ by Robert Wynne, Australia

I’m taking a little diversion from my Central Asian/Silk Road travels to tell you about the Ranamok Glass Prize.

Over the last 20 years, this prestigious annual acquisition event has showcased creativity, skill and innovation in contemporary glass works in Australia and New Zealand.

Founded by Maureen Cahill and Andy Plummer, both accomplished glass artists, Ranamok has flourished, along with the careers of its winners and finalists.

Detail of ‘Carpet’ by Kathryn Wightman, New Zealand, winner for 2014

‘Carpet’ by Kathryn Wightman, New Zealand, winner for 2014

This year’s winner and finalists are on display at the Canberra Glassworks. Poor John and I took ourselves along, and I was delighted to be encouraged to take as many photos as I wanted.

Work offered for consideration for the prize is expected to be a major piece from the artist. Finalist works are chosen for showing innovation, excellence and imagination. There were 28 finalists this year and the winner was awarded $15,000. Judges were Grace Cochrane, Ivana Jirasek, Frank McBride and Andy Plummer.

‘drawing – cell’ by Shizue Sato, Australia

Sadly, this is the last year of Ranamok. Cahill and Plummer believe the event has fulfilled its purpose to raise the profile of glass artistry. Running it has been time-consuming and costly. It’s a non-profit event and costs about $150,000 a year to run, and chasing sponsorship has been a challenge.

But even though Ranamok won’t run next year, Cahill and Plummer are going to donate Ranamok’s acquisitive collection—all the winners from the past 20 years—to the National Gallery of Australia.

‘There is nothing more expensive than things you can’t buy with money’ by Yusuke Takemura, Australia

‘New Lands’ by Ben Young, Australia

‘Te Kahu’ by Te Rongo Kirkwood, New Zealand

‘Windows of Weave’ by Mark Thiele, Australia

If you’re anywhere near Canberra in the first half of September, take time to visit Ranamok (the exhibit closes on 18 September). The Glassworks is at 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston, and open Wednesdays to Sundays from 10am to 4pm. Admission is by a gold coin donation—for non-Australians that means $1 or $2.

At that bargain price, I just might have to go back for another look. But I’ll resist buying anything. The winning piece isn’t for sale, but the rest are. Many are affordable, but one has a $20,000-plus price tag. Can you guess which one?

P.S. I haven’t included pics of all the works. Some were hard to photograph (white-on-white or at awkward angles) and a few photos weren’t all that great. Which artwork do you like best?