Glass Artisan Visual Artist Lighting Designer Founder Mark Studios
Mark Douglass is a cornerstone of the Melbourne creative landscape, a master artisan whose career spans over 30 years of pushing the boundaries of heat, light, and form. Originally trained in sculpture and painting, Mark found his ultimate expression in glass, developing a globally recognized practice that seamlessly blends fine art with architectural functionality.
From the high-luxury interiors of Dior’s Sydney Flagship Store and The Langham to iconic heritage and government commissions, Mark’s bespoke lighting is the gold standard for Australian craftsmanship. A Churchill Fellow and relentless innovator, his work has been exhibited nationally and commissioned across continents.
Triple Axel Mentor: A Legacy of Generosity
Beyond the furnace, Mark’s true impact is felt in his dedication to the next generation. A vital part of the RMIT Mentorship Program, Mark has opened his Factory X studio spaces to emerging talent, offering a "masterclass in real world hands-on learning experience."
His mentorship style is defined by a rare generosity of spirit. He doesn't just teach the technicalities of materiality; he imparts the "Creative Code" of Melbourne—teaching students the art of the hustle, the importance of local sourcing, and the collaborative resilience required to build a sustainable creative business. For Mark, mentorship is a full-circle commitment to the community that fostered his own start in the 1990s.
Areas of Mentorship & Expertise
Creative Entrepreneurship: Navigating the transition from art school to a commercial, high-stakes design practice.
Materiality & Craftsmanship: Deep-dive mastery of glass, ceramic design, and the fusion of traditional techniques with modern innovation.
The Art of Collaboration: Insights into his high-profile partnerships with visionaries like Joost Bakker and Pascale Gomes-McNabb.
Placemaking & Public Art: Guiding students through the complexities of site-specific commissions and immersive brand storytelling.
Book Mark Douglass For:
Studio Critiques & Masterclasses: For institutions seeking high-level insight into lighting design and materiality.
Architecture & Interior Design Keynotes: Speaking on the future of artisan craftsmanship in luxury and commercial spaces.
Art Forums: Offering a blueprint for successful collaborative projects in the public art realm.
