Artist Te Rongo Kirkwood on the success of her glassworks

Te Rongo Kirkwood's art works have been heating up the glass world. She was the first artist of Maori heritage to receive the prestigious Rakow Commission from the Corning Museum of Glass in New York. The award recognises artists who are pushing the boundaries of what can be done with glass, and Te Rongo's installation The Seer, the Seen and the Seeing - which includes a kakahu or cloak, is now in the Museum's permanent collection. Te Rongo was also the New Zealand Glass Works' first artist in residence four years ago and she also created the award that goes to recipients of music's Aotearoa Charts Icon each year. Her work will be able to be seen at the Aotearoa Art Fair which opens next Thursday April 30 and is the biggest in its history, bringing together more than 60 galleries, and 200 artists from 25 countries. Te Rongo talks to Kathryn about her journey with glass.