Justin Culina graduated from UCOL Whanganui (2002) where he studied glass production and design. He then went on to gain experience working alongside local and international glass artists around the world. He is now based in Whangarei where he runs his own hot glass studio, Culina Glass.

His work is found in galleries around the country and is held in private collections around the world. He is a member of the NZ Society of Artists in Glass and the Glass Art Society (International).

Working in the breathtaking surrounds of Northland, Justin gains inspiration from the landscape, including local beaches where land and sea meet and interact. These elements are found within his work, as seemingly abstract swirls within the glass explore tidal patterns, island forms and the fluidity of the ocean.

Justin has developed his own unique approach to traditional hot glass techniques such as cane roll ups, murine, incalmo, filigree and latticino. Between his love of the ocean and hot glass, natural shapes with stunning colours form. Justin also appreciates the direction the glass itself wishes to go. He says: “I feel it’s important to work with the glass in a way that utilises the shapes that it naturally wants to assume, appreciating and working with the tendencies of the medium.”