Philip Stokes, has been a dedicated advocate for the art of glass for 40 years, commenced his journey during secondary school, mentored by his mother in stained glass and casting. He earned a first-class honours degree in Bachelor of Applied Arts, majoring in glass blowing, from Monash University (1997-2001). Awarded the Pichuck Partnership Scholarship in 2001 and recognised for the best drawing folio.
In 2002, Phil co-founded Melbourne's sole open-access glass blowing facility, fostering artistic expression, workshops, and student guidance. Overseeing successive studios until 2015, his focus was on cultivating emerging glass blowers. In 2011, he received the North Link Chairman's Special Recognition Award at the Northern Business Achievement Awards.
Phil has twice been a finalist in the esteemed Ranamok Glass Prize, with his work held in the Australian Art Glass collection in Wagga Wagga, NSW.
Known for his large-scale works, Stokes approaches his art like a choreographed dance, creating expressive, movement-suggestive sculptural pieces in hot glass. His architectural sculptures and installations adorn public and private spaces globally, including the Four Seasons Hotel lobby in Hong Kong and the Sheraton Hotel in Xiamen, China. A sought-after speaker at creative forums, Phil's work is highly valued in the private sector. Boasting an extensive portfolio, Phil has showcased his work in over 90 exhibitions and commissions worldwide.
After 15 years of running his studio, Phil closed it in 2016 and relocated to New Zealand, with his husband Scott Redding. Continuing his practice, he participates in various exhibitions in both New Zealand and Australia. In New Zealand Philip has continued his commitment by guiding artists, leading workshops, and serving as head Gaffer for two Artist in Residencies at New Zealand Glassworks, contributing to the creation of hot glass artwork. Phil enriches the Australasian art glass community, by preserving the heritage craft through collaborations with artists and educational institutions.
