Contemporary designs as commissions are normally based around the specific ideas of the client, with input and guidance from my knowledge and experience of design . There may be a particular inspiration, set of certain colours or particular shapes that the client wants represented. Often the design may be in response to the home or the building itself, or architectural shapes which can be elaborated on in a glass design. With a background in both art and design, I can grasp these ideas, producing a number of variants. I frequently receive the response “That is exactly what I was thinking of!”. Often the incorporation of the stained glass is at the conclusion of a renovation project, and is the final step in creating that perfect home.

Stained glass is a traditional craft that is also adaptable and modern. With a full colour palette to work from and numerous textures the effect can be as subtle or vibrant as you like. The advantage of hand made stained glass is that it can use ambient light to bring colour and form into a contemporary setting. It requires no power, it doesn't fade or peel and it changes with the daylight to create a dynamic piece of in-situ art that can be enjoyed every day.

Stained glass is a true balance of an Art and a Craft. It is this combination that has always fascinated me.

The Art of glass is the overall design of piece, breaking up the areas, making lines flow in the right aesthetic way and choosing the right matching combinations of glass colours. On the highest level it may require the delicate painting, silver staining and enamelling of the glass to create truly memorable images cast in light. The painting is permanently fired onto the glass at temperatures up to 700C.

In Craft techniques there is the lightweight Copper foil based “Tiffany” glass, often using non-see-through opaque glass. This medium is delicate, great for 3D objects and light in weight, making it easier to hang or display but only suitable for internal use. There is traditional Leaded Stained glass which is heavier, structurally robust and weatherproof so can be used externally for glazing or as a sculptural form. There is a third method which I use for my sculptural pieces which is a hybrid form of leading used in a delicate way similar to copper foil. It requires a special adhesive which is water, UV and temperature proof and these pieces can therefore be used outside.