Ruth Allen’s formative years in Aotearoa/New Zealand profoundly influenced her artistic vision. Surrounded by the rhythms of the ocean and the elemental forces of nature, she developed an instinctive understanding of liquidity, reflection, and refraction. This deep connection to natural phenomena become a cornerstone of her work, guiding her to explore gravity, heat, centrifugal force and elemental movements within glass. She went on to study a Bachelor of Arts in Glass at the Canberra School of Art (1993), and Master of Fine Art in Sculpture and Glass at Monash University (2006).

Dedicated to the preservation of glass art, Ruth served as President of the New Zealand Society of Artists in Glass from 1995 to 2000. Here she orchestrated a series of influential workshops and international conferences under the banner of 'Pacific Light,' further establishing her as a leader in the glass art community.

Now director of her own studio, r.a.g.e, Ruth’s commitment to excellence and craftsmanship continues to shine in Coburg North, Melbourne. A hub of creativity, the studio is equipped with a hot glass furnace, kilns, cold working equipment, woodworking and metalworking tools and a ceramics studio. Here, Ruth not only creates her signatures works, but collaboratively brings to life the visions of artists, architects, interior designers and more.

Alongside her team of five, r.a.g.e is expanding, building Victoria’s first purpose-built, independent, community glass facility — the Glass Epicentre. The proposed expansion will feature state-of-the-art hot glass facilities. It will provide hands-on education for both emerging and established artists, with workshops for all skill levels and an intensive traineeship program for dedicated artisans. A professional gallery will showcase international-standard artworks. Prioritising sustainability in all areas, the Glass Epicentre will enrich Australia’s cultural landscape and secure the future of glass artistry for generations to come.

Ruth’s approach to glass art is deeply rooted in a conversation with the material itself. Her process is characterised by an ongoing dialogue with glass, where gravity and light play pivotal roles. This interaction allows her to craft pieces that are both visually stunning and conceptually profound, embodying a deep understanding of the medium’s personality and potential.

Throughout her career, Ruth has exhibited her work in prominent glass venues around the world, participated in and taught workshops, and contributed to the broader artistic community. Her works have been shortlisted for prestigious awards including the Tom Malone Prize, INDE Awards and the Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize, a testament to her continued influence and innovation in the field.

Ruth Allen’s journey is one of exceptional skill, visionary creativity, and an unwavering dedication to the art of glass. Her passion for preserving and evolving the art of glassblowing is evident in every facet of her work, making her a true custodian of this timeless craft. Her work stands as a reflection of her deep-rooted connection to the natural world and her relentless pursuit of excellence.