Stained glass panels represent and amazing journey. This begins at a glass factory takes form in the hands of the glass artist, then finally finds its way with the right owner.
Much of my work begins with either an idea form a customer or just an inspiration I feel called to make. These idea are either sketched out on paper digital renders on my computer. Next comes the selection of glass from my collection or at one of my local suppliers. No matter how much planning, the design evolves as the final product is created. This is a slow process that is often paused for a verity of reasons.
I was recently building a panel inspired by memories of a cross I often admired from the choir loft of the church I was raised in. The work had been paused for several months due to custom orders and a need to build new storage for supplies in my studio. There I was with hammer in hand, the door opened to cool the studio off, when I herd the flutter of wings.
I looked up to see a beautiful white dove perched on that half complete cross panel. To be clear this is the only white dove I had ever seen in my little part of Florida. I put my hammer down and walked toward the panel. The dove looked down at the cross, darting its glance from one section to another, like an excited art critic.
Then the dove glanced up at me, tipping its head, as if to say “This is your work, right”? My new feathered friend began looking at the crossing then back me several more times. The messages to me, was clear; it was time to get back to work. I smiled at the bird, whispering “OK God, I got the message”. With that, the bird flew off.
Within a few weeks the panel was done and post for sale. As is often the case in retail, you just never know if something is going to sell quickly or slowly. This one sold in short order.
The purchasers explained that they had been looking for just the right panel to install in their new home. They had lost everything years before in a hurricane and wanted a panel to remind them of all the blessing God had given them.
Just as they were about to give up on the notion, my listing appeared. Not only was it the exact design they had envisioned, it was an exact fit for the intended window. As an artist I was so thankful for the small part I was so privilege to play in God’s plan to help that couple celebrate His glory in their new home.
