"I approach glass as a painter would approach painting" he says. "First I capture my ideas as an image on paper, then I try to translate that image or idea and transform it into my medium, glass."

Raos paperweights have been presented to many important dignitaries, including President Bill Clinton, and the Prime Minister of New Zealand.

"My objects reflect archetypal ideas about art and nature, communicated through colour, composition, harmony, flow and symmetry," he says. "I have a deep respect for other artists' vision, as well as the natural world around me."

Raos has been fortunate to attend and organise workshops with some of the most respected glass artists in the world, including Richard Marquis, William Morris, Lino Tagliapietra, Dante Marioni and Makoto Ito. He finds a special inspiration in the work of nineteenth century glass makers Emile Galle, Daum, Henri Cross and Argy-Rousseau, and views his pieces as an extension of that tradition.

Raos chooses to melt glass from raw materials using the purest silica imported from Tasmania. He then adds other high quality ingredients from around the world to batch his own crystal glass formula .

Peter Raos' unique and beautiful designs radiate extraordinary creativity and imagination. In each design one sees the passion and enthusiasm of a man who has devoted his working life to glass.

  Full list of Peter Raos' Exhibitions