Stained Glass
It is easy to tell when I am procrastinating because those are times when I feel extra-inspired to update my blog. Right now, I would rather not think about my impending move and the associated packing/organizing, so I figured I should tell the world about my attempts at stained glass art.
Circa October 2004, I walked into a stained glass store and signed up for the beginner class. My first project (The Star) got my feet wet & was a good introduction to the basics -- scoring glass, copper foiling, soldering, etc. During that class, I also made my first 3D object, a lampshade. This blurry picture is the only picture I have since this piece is currently half-way across the world . . .
I have found that many stained glass designs are either too floral, too medival or too religious for my tastes, so I was glad to find a book of designs by Kimberlee Lynch ("Clearly Abstract Art For Glass). I brought one of these designs to life.
After this, I tried my hand at designing my own piece in a leaded window (it looks like an eye!). I had some fun with sandblasting, gluechip glass, cementing, etc. For people who are thinking about trying it, this is an expensive hobby and if you are like me you will have a hard time giving away your pieces. As for the pros, I cannot decide what factors contribute most to my enjoyment. I suspect the proximity to toxic chemicals (the lead, the solder, various agents), the danger involved in cutting glass and using the hot iron or the heady fumes all play a part.
The finale was when I was able to force all the pieces for my leaded mirror into place. . .
Circa October 2004, I walked into a stained glass store and signed up for the beginner class. My first project (The Star) got my feet wet & was a good introduction to the basics -- scoring glass, copper foiling, soldering, etc. During that class, I also made my first 3D object, a lampshade. This blurry picture is the only picture I have since this piece is currently half-way across the world . . .
I have found that many stained glass designs are either too floral, too medival or too religious for my tastes, so I was glad to find a book of designs by Kimberlee Lynch ("Clearly Abstract Art For Glass). I brought one of these designs to life.
After this, I tried my hand at designing my own piece in a leaded window (it looks like an eye!). I had some fun with sandblasting, gluechip glass, cementing, etc. For people who are thinking about trying it, this is an expensive hobby and if you are like me you will have a hard time giving away your pieces. As for the pros, I cannot decide what factors contribute most to my enjoyment. I suspect the proximity to toxic chemicals (the lead, the solder, various agents), the danger involved in cutting glass and using the hot iron or the heady fumes all play a part.
The finale was when I was able to force all the pieces for my leaded mirror into place. . .
10 Comments:
where are you moving?
Glass art is becoming popular in Bangladesh. But still only the riches can afford it to decorate their expensive apartments or houses.
If the craft is learnt by ordinary people, then the use will spread to other income levels as the cost of production will be lower. The satisfaction of being able to decorate your house to your own taste is unparallel.
russell-
I am actually moving 2 blocks north and 1 block west, which makes me wonder why I bother with this yearly ritual . . .
Rezwan-
Actually, that sounds like a good idea. Stained glass is a labour intensive art form that Bdesh can get into, not just for the domestic market. . .
In general, I would guestimate that around 50-75% of the price of the piece here is from labour costs as opposed to materials. By reducing this cost, stained glass pieces from Bdesh might be very competitive. Though shipping these fragile pieces might add significantly to the price.
If they can make unique pieces inspired from traditional designs, then it might be possible to create a niche market. For example, the geometric jamdani pattern might look cool as a stained glass piece. . .
Anyways, you business people take heed. It's not every day I give this sort of advice . . .
LOL! I am not a businessman. And don't worry, If I ever start a business like this, I would certainly engage you as a consultant or you can be a stakeholder. Thanks for the advice though. And nice paintings..keep it up!
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Nice stained glass stuff bdesh. Bongs rock! But I am sure you knew that already.
The first picture is very classy!
Coming from Littlecow, that is high praise indeed!
who are you? simply,it is great. please go ahead.
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