'Morningside, Edinburgh ' is named after the area where I discovered these two little pieces of history more than ten years ago in a stained glass restoration workshop. The original grout was soaked and carefully removed from the edges. Matching this very old glass with a modern color took time. The panels now shine as the focus of the piece and this historic glass has a new life. Welcome Spring!.
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Interesting coincidence. I finished the simplified Rene Mackintosh rose on the left on Sunday. It represents the appreciation I have developed for the simpler Rene Mackintosh designs. Today, Facebook reminded me of the rose I made in 2008. It is also interesting to see how my choice of glass has evolved. Thoughts?
This has been a very busy winter, in so many different ways! Workshop time has been precious and time to update my website has apparently been non-existent! I will try to catch up over the next couple of evenings.
I created and sold two pieces in my Dream Series. As the colours blend and the molten glass passes through the rollers, shapes and images are often created in the stained glass. The challenge for the artist is to present these shapes and images to keep the eye focused on them. The joy that follows is hearing individual interpretations of what viewers see in each of these pieces. Taking flight was cut from the same piece of glass which changed so much from one section to another. Toon In stands on its own - just let your imagination out the play. There are now a series of five panels which will be hung at Galerie Old Chelsea on Thursday. I did finally convince the 6 mm thick glass to cooperate to create one small panel. These were a lot of fun to create. I would love to hear your comments!
Galerie Old Chelsea is holding a Group Exhibition called 'The Wonders of Winter' from January 28 to February 13. I decided to use art glass to convey the energy of the Northern Lights with an igloo in the foreground to reflect our Northern heritage. Cutting deep arcs into glass can be done carefully, using a time-honored tradition of making many small cuts. My first attempt was with some very exotic semi-antique flash glass that was 6 mm thick. The first design just did not work. I tried to use the remaining piece for a second design, but the glass did not break where I suggested and it was time to re-think. I did succeed with my third attempt. Then I was on a roll. Happy New Year! It is certainly off to an interesting start...Regaining the strength and movement in my arm and shoulder means I can now tackle larger pieces. It has been a long time since I have worked with heritage glass and I was quickly reminded of how unpredictable the pieces can be.
While extreme heat is used to create each piece of glass and then to flatten it in a kiln, the sudden temperature changes created in the soldering process can result in unexpected heat cracks. Yesterday as the first round of soldering was completed, two heat cracks appeared in the fan. Today during the touch-ups, two additional cracks appeared in the green flower! Reinforcing techniques hold the pieces securely in place now and for the life of the piece. I generally don't name pieces before they are finished but had considering calling it Matinee Idol. The name is now 'Dress Rehearsal' which reflects the purpose of the dress rehearsal, which is to identify the flaws so they can be corrected on opening night. Glass offers no second chances. The only decision left is whether to use the triangle stand for this piece or the flat stand that lets the fan dominate the piece. What would your preference be? I have graduated to larger pieces! These are still small (about 6" x 11.5" each) but the did let me enjoy the challenge of using a beautiful piece of art glass to accent and frame these amber-colored crystals. Both will produce free prisms in direct sunlight. They are constructed with the textured side facing into the room so they will show off their character, even at night, without back lighting. I am hoping to get a picture of the two of them side-by-side at the gallery on Friday. Next on the table....a collection of heritage glass fans and dishes in a stand.
More 'Hearts For Windows'. I am catching up with a couple of requests for the orange and red hearts as well as for some sparkly one for the Christmas tree. These are numbers 92 to 97 and I started cutting a few more today. My shoulder decides when I am done for the day and today it was early. My goal is to have another batch of six ready by Sunday. Each one is cut freehand to keep the shapes random.
No new images to share yet. The plate and screws were removed from my shoulder last week. I have ten weeks to work with the physiotherapist and at home on range of motion exercises before I am allowed to use any weights or resistance bands. That means I am limited to small pieces for the next couple months. I am going to try to solder a small batch of hearts on Friday and see how it goes. Both hands have so many important roles and need to move in so many different positions through the cutting, grinding, foiling, soldering and polishing. If I succeed, I will post pictures here.
A long-awaited trip to hug grandchildren left me with little time to create glass in September. Each day in my workshop leaves me wanting more creative time. Both the hearts and the fall hills will be hung at Galerie Old Chelsea on Sunday when I am on duty. If you are in the area enjoying the Studio Tour, please stop in and say hello!
I spent Canada's first Peace and Reconciliation Day creating these hearts while reflecting on the horrific experiences at the Residential Schools and how much we have learned about the cumulative impact of trauma on society and individuals. The irregular shape of each heart recognizes that individuals are shaped differently by the impact of the personal trauma suffered by them and by previous generations. Each heart has two distinct sides - the clear side represents the calm, tranquil image individuals often convey publicly, while the denser glass with embedded designs reflects the pain, turmoil and passion that reside within. - My role in the creation of 'Falls Together Like Love' was to appreciate the shapes and colours embedded in these two unique pieces of glass and merge them as simply as possible to convey the warmth of a Fall day. |
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