Glass Art by Tony Caroli

Tony is a fused glass artist based in Ramsgate in Kent in the UK. Not having a definitive style, he goes with the flow with his art. Tony frequently works on a number of pieces at the same time. He often revisits past creations and themes, exploring them again with new results.

Each piece of Tony's fused glass art is carefully and lovingly created by hand. Sometimes starting with a sketch, developing it into a workshop template. Sometimes simply cutting, forming and shaping the glass. It is fired flat in a specialist glass kiln over a 24 hour period at a temperature of around 800 degrees. His bowls, dishes, figures and the free-standing sculptures are then fired a second time to 'slump' the glass into a mould.

Tony's inspiration comes from almost anything. It can be as simple as seeing some fish bones, or a piece of fabric. Even nature itself can lead to some fantastic creations. He does, on occasion, like to play with artists historical designs, transposing them into glass. He finds inspiration almost anywhere; even watching Bargain Hunt lead him to creating a series of tribal masks, all so very different.

Tony has returned for another year, to exhibit on our guest wall alongside contemporary original art by our resident group of local artists. Their works include paintings, figurative and abstract. Photography - traditional and digital - is also represented. 3D work features too, with ceramics, jewellery, and wood sculptures. Prints, greetings cards and postcards are also available.

The gallery is now open Thursdays to Mondays, 11am to 5pm. It is in Margate's Old Town, near Turner Contemporary. The local area is a great venue for a day or weekend trip, in all seasons.