Richard Whiteley became an apprentice in stained glass at the age of 15, and went on to earn an undergraduate degree from The School of Art, ANU Canberra, and an M.F.A. in Sculpture from the University of Illinois. Whiteley’s work focuses primarily on cast glass and explores voids as the primary constructive agent. He says, “The works are built from the inside out; voids are ordered first and external structures are built to encapsulate these spaces. The works explore negative space—using glass as a substrate.”
One of my big motivations for teaching is to share the information that I have and learn from other people working in the medium of cast glass. I think it’s a very exciting medium for contemporary art and I’d love to see more work done in this area.
Whiteley has presented more than 10 solo exhibitions in the past 10 years and his work is held in several major collections, including The Corning Museum of Glass, The Australian National Gallery, and The Palm Springs Museum. He has also received many research grants to develop creative works and explore technical research. He is currently the head of the Glass Workshop, at the School of Art, Australian National University in Canberra.
Ocularis by Richard Whiteley (Photo credit Grep Piper)
Hear more from Richard on cast glass and teaching at The Studio of The Corning Museum of Glass in this Instructor Highlight video and see more of his works.
The Studio of The Corning Museum of Glass is an internationally renowned facility that offers glassmaking classes for a variety of skill levels and techniques, as well as artist residencies, rentals, and a variety of other programs.
The Studio is one of the best glassmaking schools in the world. When you take a class here you’ll receive great instruction by top glassmakers, you’ll be able explore the Museum’s glass collection to inspire your work, and you’ll have access to the Museum’s unparalleled collection at the Rakow Research Library. You also become part of the supportive community of artists and students who work with glass in Corning. Learn more.