To transform molten glass into works of art demands special aptitudes and Douglass certainly has the skills needed to practice this exacting artform. He also has the imagination to explore and expand the medium, making this a beautiful and exciting exhibition.

Glass blowing is an ancient craft and this artist gives it a modernity that allows viewers to engage with, and appreciate, his work. These are sculptural pieces of bright hues that emit a sense of excitement. Here we find large traditional shaped vases that host contemporary patterns, as well as sensuous abstract 'globe' shapes that reflect and distort what falls onto their surfaces. Then there are the two metre high 'bud' vases!

In this exhibition Douglass presents large paintings of black and white patterns or brightly coloured images. These designs are then 'copied' as decoration for large blown glass vases. Seeing the painting and glass together excites our wonder for both artforms, all the while extending our visual pleasure. In All Things Precious the artist employs rich black line on white ground to hint at objects rather then depict specifics, thereby allowing each viewer to decide just what is precious to them. The glass vase of the same title replicates the design, which has been distorted by the traditional process of glass blowing. The rich black and milk white vase grows up elegantly from its base before curving into a bulbous top. This rounded effect, along with the distortion of the pattern, gives the work a sensuality, as well as a hint of opulence and modernity. Inside Out is another black and white painting however the related vase is traditionally shaped in black and clear glass providing a sense of refined elegance.

The brightly coloured works, on canvas and in glass, are awe inspiring. The painting Kalgoorlie is a busy composition of bold impact. It hosts images of trucks, winches, pits, even gold, that crowd the surface with colour, excitement and information. Quite the contrary is the glass work inspired by the same subject. Here excerpts of the original image evolve slowly as we walk around the large object to discover new information, at our own pace. This is the real treasure hunt.

But when it comes to elegance and richness the ultimate has to be the 'bud' vases. These tall, graceful and genteel glass sculptures are very chic. These sensuous shaped vases hold long stemmed beauties with plate sized blooms. Each is an individual, in name and colour; Zoe is milk white and Trixie shining black, Silvia is blood red and Stella sea blue. Some have silver blooms, all have a sense of majesty.

This is  Mark Douglass' first solo show in Perth, here's hoping we see more of his work more often.