Techniques & Design
An Ancient Tradition
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The techniques I use to make the hand-painted and leaded panels are based on an ancient tradition first seen in medieval churches. The contemporary tools and materials are very similar to the ones artisans used hundreds of years ago. The glass comes in a wide variety of colors and textures, and it is generally sold in large flat sheets made by special stained glass manufacturing companies in the U.S. as well as Germany, France and Eastern Europe. I add the painted motifs later after cutting the glass in to shapes that fit on a pattern or a "cartoon." A hand tool such as a diamond-head cutter is used to cut the glass. Grozing and breaking pliers are also used to help break the glass. |
 "Leading up" the panel |
The cut pieces of glass are painted using stained glass maker's paint which comes in a powdered form. The powder is mixed with a binder such as gum arabic, and a liquid such as water, vinegar or alcohol. A palette knife is used to mix the paint to a yogurt-like consistency. The paint is quickly applied using a variety of methods. Sometimes, a mat finish is achieved with blending brushes made of badger hair, and the design is scratched or removed using wood and metal tools, stiff brushes or finger tips. Otherwise, line drawings are made with different sizes of thin brushes. Most of my panels are made using two traditional colors: "Tracing Black" and "Bistre Brown." Occasionally, I use a yellow tint called, "Silver Stain."
 Painting |
Once the painted design dries on the glass, the pieces are placed in a kiln and fired at a high temperature (between 1050° F and 1240° F). The firing allows the paint to become permanently bonded to the glass. After the glass pieces are cool, they are placed on the cartoon and assembled as a panel using lead came to hold the glass together. The lead came is soft and pliable, and it usually needs to be stretched to give it strength. Nippers (resembling wire cutters) are used to cut the lead which is then shaped around the edges of each glass piece. Horseshoe nails are used to hold the glass in the lead on the cartoon pattern. As the pieces are fitted together, the intersecting joints of the lead came are soldered using a hot soldering iron, solder wire and flux. |
The panels are glazed, in the traditional manner, on both sides with putty or a glazing compound. This process strengthens the panels and allows them to be exposed to the outdoors. After the panels are glazed they are laid flat, ideally for at least 10-14 days. Finally, the panels are cleaned and polished using hand brushes. Sometimes polishing agents such as whiting or sawdust are used.
Other Techniques Some of my panels may also have sections that are constructed using the copper foil method made popular by Tiffany Studios in the 19th century. I usually reserve this technique for highly detailed areas which include small pieces of glass. Often, I incorporate other objects such as stones, sea glass, metal shapes and shells in my panels (especially the mirrors). I also like to use cast lead "rosettes" and am currently experimenting with hand-casting lead shapes to attach to the panels. Sometimes I punch holes and cut pieces from the lead came wrapped around the outside (or perimeter) of the panels. An additional technique such as plating glass pieces in front or behind the main body of work is sometimes used to add a three dimensional quality to the panel. |
 Firing the glass in the kiln |
Design
My inspiration for the designs generally comes from two long-standing passions. I am fascinated by the patterns used by different cultures in decorative arts such as pottery, tiles, basketry and textiles. Many of the designs seen in the panels are inspired by Japanese kimono and shop curtain patterns. Other panels may exhibit repetitive geometric designs derived from Greek and Etruscan pottery, mosaics from the Middle East, Chinese embroidered patterns, etc. I also have a passion for plants and the intricate patterns seen in leaves, bark, branches and seeds. Many of my design ideas come from my own backyard and nearby Capisic Pond Park.
