Craft / Meander: Katie-Ann Houghton. At Canberra Glassworks, until June 5. Reviewed by MEREDITH HINCHLIFFE.

Katie-Ann Houghton is an experienced glass artist, and has been practicing for more than 14 years. She is a glassblower, creating exhibition work and functional pieces, including light pendants, decanters and carafes.

Houghton has worked at the Sydney College of the Arts, The Jam Factory in Adelaide, and at the Canberra Glassworks.

The title of this show, Meander, refers to the continuous, flowing patterns of a watercourse, and also to the progress of her own career of wandering and observing.

This show is impressive – it includes numerous vessels and several Form Pendants. The vessels have been made using the “incalmo” process where two “bubbles” of glass are joined to form one object. The two are fitted together perfectly, with no overlap at the edges.

Precision is paramount. The surfaces on the simple forms are carved and sanded to give a honeycomb appearance. The bases of the vessels are in (almost) solid colour, while the tops are more translucent.

Houghton draws her inspiration from architectural details, such as interlocking brick patterns, sharp planes and gentle curves that draw the eye and cast shifting shadows.

She recently spent time in Japan, and was particularly intrigued by the patterns in old Japanese village buildings and tall, new buildings in the cities. She has carved and sanded each and every segment on these complicated forms resulting in calm, peaceful forms.

The Form Pendants are pendant light shades in bright clear colours. Their simplicity is refined and elegant.

There is no bravado in this exhibition, just quiet competence and confidence.