Stained Glass Artist

I came to stained glass after a thirty-year career as an American diplomat, serving in eight foreign countries and retiring as the U.S. Ambassador to Estonia. The unusual hobby of building picture frames first led me to the satisfaction of breaking glass to my will. Later, after returning to California,  a poster offering stained glass classes caught my attention. I’ve always believed that people and experiences come into your life when you’re ready. I was ready —  and immediately taken with the artistry and craftsmanship required to create art from glass.

Living on the Coast is a constant source of inspiration and many of my pieces mix glass with driftwood. I consider my pieces more sculptures than windows and prefer to display them on stands rather than installation. Light is essential for glass to come alive. The colors, lead lines, and the mood itself change frequently through the day, adding unexpected elements of interest. The majority of my pieces start with the idea of an image that renders well in glass. The ideas are then refined through glass selection, color, texture, and design. In addition to the artistic element, technical considerations necessary for successful construction are equally critical, Mistakes are frequent  but the Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi – beauty in imperfection – also influences my work.

I’ve had few experiences more satisfying than  creating a piece that someone would like to have. In these economic times,  buying art is rarely at the top of the priority list. I am honored beyond words by anyone drawn to my work whether it’s purchased or not. Touching them with beauty, even for a brief moment, is the reward I’m after. Life on the Coast is paradise, and I am proud to be among the artists and craftsmen trying to capture that.