Oakhill Glass's Profile
Bio
Having grown up in a military family (translation: I moved around a lot!), I was exposed to many different cultures and artistic influences at an early age. These included a deep appreciation of classic art forms and antiquities from living in Greece, a strong connection with nature, combined with an oriental influence, from living in Hawaii, the heightened sense of life of the Caribbean islands, the colors and fluidity of Biscayne Bay and the Florida Keys and the soulfulness of the American south.
I've always enjoyed the depth and brilliance of color in church stained glass windows. They evoke a sense of wonder in me and a connection with our past; one that deepened after having toured several cathedrals in Great Britain. I've always enjoyed drawing and was thrilled when my parents arranged for me to have private art lessons at a little studio on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Then there are the jigsaw puzzles, bringing me enjoyment in the precision with which the smallest of pieces fit together. For me, working with stained glass brings together different aspects of each of these.
From initial design to the final polishing, many hours are involved in creating a stained glass piece. The main challenge in the design is not the sketching of the idea, but in making sure each individual piece can be translated into glass. Although a stained glass artist may refer to "cutting" glass, the glass pieces are really not cut. The pieces are scored and then broken.
Glass, by its very nature, only wants to break in straight lines. To obtain curves, several small breaks must be done, with each one being just a little bit more at an angle than the last. Just because you draw something as a certain shape, does not mean the glass wants to break that way.
When I get each piece cut just right, and the entire picture finally comes together, it gives me a great sense of personal satisfaction. The foiling or lead caming of the glass, and then the final soldering and or cementing to hold it all together, creates an edge of anticipation in me. I can't wait to finally hold the finished piece up to the sunlight and catch its full beauty for the first time. I am having the privilege of seeing something that no one else on this earth has seen before.
I know that in stained glass I have found the perfect medium for me to express myself and to bring beauty into the lives of others. Whether it be a stained glass window, a cabinet door, a lamp or a suncatcher, it is my hope and goal that the pieces I craft will be here for people to enjoy well beyond my years.
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