From corporate cubicles to the heat of the furnace, discover this Adelaide artist’s unexpected journey into glassblowing.
Jessica Murtagh’s path to becoming one of Adelaide’s most exciting glass artists wasn’t exactly straightforward.
Starting with a degree in psychology, Jessica tried her hand at financial planning, human resources, and marketing for more than a decade.
But despite earning a master’s degree in marketing, corporate life never quite clicked for her—so she quit.
A leap of faith
“I was lucky,” she says. “We had a bit of money saved up, and my husband said, ‘Why don’t we just eat couscous and ramen for a bit while you figure out what’s going to make you happy?’”
That leap of faith eventually led her to a weekend glassblowing workshop in Melbourne, where she fell in love with the artform.
“That first gather of glass out of the furnace had me hooked. There was nothing else I wanted to do after that.”
From weekend workshop to national stage
To pursue her newfound passion, Jessica enrolled in a communications degree at the University of South Australia—just to access the hot glass elective. Before long, she switched to a design degree and dedicated her time to the hot shop, honing her craft.
Now, seven years into her glassblowing journey, Jessica is making her mark on the national art scene. She’s exhibited in numerous prizes and exhibitions around Australia, including at the 2023 NGV Triennial and two solo shows—including one in November—at Canberra’s Grainger Studio.
She was recently awarded second prize in the inaugural Make Award and was a finalist in the 2022 Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize, while the Geelong Gallery, the Powerhouse Museum, the Parliament House Collection in Canberra and the National Gallery of Victoria have all acquired her work.
“It still feels surreal,” she says. “I’m still an emerging artist. When I see my work in galleries or hear about someone buying a piece, I think, ‘Wow, people actually get it.’ It’s incredibly humbling.”
Gathering Light at the JamFactory
Jessica’s work will feature in Gathering Light at the JamFactory from 6 December 2024 – 30 March 2025, part of the Chihuly in the Botanic Garden program. It’s a chance for Jessica to share her work with her hometown audience.
“It means a lot to be showing this collection in Adelaide,” she says. “This city has been my home, and even though it took a while for me to find my audience here, I feel like I’ve finally found my place. I just hope people enjoy the show.”
Her pieces for Gathering Light are inspired by ancient Greek amphoras, reimagined with a playful, modern twist.
“I’ve always been fascinated by Ancient Greece—the amphoras, the mythologies, the idea of everyday objects being both functional and beautiful,” she says.
Her amphoras are adorned with intricate etched designs that blend the ancient and modern.
“You might see a figure that looks like it’s straight out of a Greek vase, but then realise they’re holding a smartphone or standing in line at a coffee shop. It’s about finding continuity in the human experience—how much has changed, but also how much has stayed the same.”
The botanical collection: nature meets glass
In addition to her Greek-inspired pieces, Jessica is also known for her botanical works, which celebrate her love of nature.
“If I hadn’t become an artist, I think I might have become a botanist,” she says. “I’ve always been fascinated by plants—their forms, their resilience, their beauty.”
Jessica believes in the power of beauty to transform a space or a person’s mood: “Art doesn’t always have to be provocative to be meaningful. Sometimes, a golden ginkgo leaf catching the light can be enough to make someone’s day brighter.”
Chihuly’s influence on studio glass
The Gathering Light exhibition runs alongside Chihuly in the Botanic Garden, a dazzling display by Dale Chihuly, a pioneer of the studio glass movement. For Jessica, being part of a program connected to Chihuly is a career highlight.
“Chihuly’s work transformed glass from an industrial material into high art,” she says. “His bold colours and massive installations are incredible. It’s definitely not minimalism—it’s audacious, and it’s inspiring.”
She believes exhibitions like this are vital for bringing people closer to art. “It’s a bit magical, isn’t it? Nestled in the Botanic Gardens, especially at night, it has a ‘secret garden’ feel. It’s something really special for Adelaide.”
This is Chihuly’s first major Garden Cycle exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere, presenting multiple glass installations across the varied landscape and iconic conservatories of Adelaide Botanic Garden until 29 April 2025.
Glassblowing: A team effort
Jessica says she wouldn’t be where she is today without the support of Adelaide’s glassblowing community.
“Glassblowing is a team sport,” she says. “I couldn’t do any of what I do without the help of incredibly talented people like Emma Young, Marcel Hoogstad-Hay, and Drew Spangenberg. We all assist each other—it’s a real community effort.”
Collaboration is at the heart of her creative process. “When you’re blowing glass, you’re constantly communicating, anticipating each other’s moves. It’s almost like a dance. That energy feeds into the work and makes it feel alive.”
Jessica tries to pay it forward by supporting emerging artists in the same way she was supported.
“It’s a tradition of passing on knowledge and encouragement, and that’s what makes this community so special.”
Art that transforms
Jessica hopes her work can inspire people to step away from their screens and experience art in person.
“Everything online is so homogenous. Seeing art in real life challenges you—it makes you feel something, makes you think.”
Whether it’s the playful modernity of her amphoras or the serene beauty of her botanical pieces, Jessica’s goal is to transport viewers, even if only for a moment.
“Art can take you somewhere else, make you see the world differently. And I think we all need that sometimes.”
Discover more about Chihuly in the Botanic Garden here.
More information on Gathering Light and the JamFactory’s full Chihuly program of exhibitions and events is here.
