CHURCH
A stained glass window in a church must have a sense of purpose, it must reflect a spiritual element and be sympathetic to its surroundings. The window must also be a living work of art contemporary with our time.
My work in stained glass is traditional in manner and technique but my designs are abstract. I use colour, light and symbolism to express spiritual concepts. The projects illustrated explore different themes and are a response to the commission brief, the architecture, the light and my artistic imagination.
The design process is a collaborative one between myself, the client and perhaps a small committee from the church. Together a theme is established and this forms the basis for the design work.
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SECULAR
I trained in textile design and still retain a strong sense of design and decoration within my stained glass work. I am interested in structures - symmetrical patterns, decoration and texture.
Inspiration for secular panels come from a variety of sources, a decorative motif found in ancient ceramics or textiles, mosaics, snapshots of architectural detail or landscape. The structure of the design is often symmetrical with frames and borders surrounding a focal area of rich decoration. These focal points are often acid etched and sandblasted several times to create layers of texture and tone. Borders are painted with line and texture to frame the piece.
I make windows for private residences, perhaps for a bathroom or kitchen or as a feature in an entrance hall. Commissions for public buildings can be in libraries, schools or shopping centres. Many situations can benefit from a decorative coloured glass scheme.
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COMMUNITY ART
Being involved in a commission is a valuable learning experience and can be beneficial to a community.
Community projects often involve children or young adults who help to create ideas for a stained glass window. They can also be involved in some of the making processes. My role is to inform them about the design and making process and then to interpret their ideas into a glass panel.
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RESTORATION
I can reproduce period designs for older character properties. An Edwardian or Victorian house may need new glass for its entrance hall or the fan lights above doorways. I often use traditional designs but give the panels a slightly more up to date look by using quality antique glass. Colours can be used which match the interior décor.
Old panels can also be restored. These panels often need to be re-leaded and broken panes of glass can be replaced with new glass to match existing colours.
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