Greg Swinburne

Line | Form | Faith

Swinburne is an accomplished Whanganui based artist known for his sculptural approach to glass. Graduating from Northland Polytechnic with a Diploma in Applied Arts (Sculpture) before continuing his education at Whanganui Polytechnic, attaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Glass and a Diploma in Glass Design.

Deeply inspired by traditional Japanese art and aesthetics, Swinburne’s work reflects the interconnected nature of Japanese creative disciplines. Drawing influence from gardens, ikebana (the art of flower arrangement), and calligraphy, he combines elements from multiple practices to create a distinctive visual language.

Swinburne approaches glassmaking from a sculptural perspective, prioritising form and line over function. Rather than allowing utility to dictate design, he uses vessels as a painter might use a canvas—surfaces upon which carved patterns and intricate designs can be explored. Line and form are the primary elements within his work, while colour and texture enhance each form.

Swinburne’s ongoing practice investigates the dynamic relationship between the shapes he creates, and the lines revealed through cutting and carving into glass.

His work is characterised by a quiet elegance and a refined sense of balance, reflecting both his sculptural background and his enduring fascination with Japanese aesthetics.

'My approach to glass is from a sculptural mindset. The Offering sculptures originally had the subtitle “sculpture for a zen garden” and the vessels and bowls employ similar visual language to the sculptures.' - Greg Swinburne