A scenic drive 10/11/2009
Incomparably rich colors with the lighting just right, looking dramatic and vibrant with intense tones... I'm thinking about a scenic drive in New England during peak time for fall foliage. Have you ever noticed that when the sun returns after a light rain, the lush expanses of fall colors are even more breathtaking? This is the perfect time of year to plan a leaf-peeping trip to the historic village of Shelburne, Vermont. Why Shelburne? With a collection of 50 buildings chock full of esoterica, Shelburne Museum is a destination unto itself, and it is the perfect destination for a leaf-peeping trip because of their special exhibit on view in the Webb Gallery until October 25th. Louis Comfort Tiffany: Nature By Design. This exhibit includes 75 works on loan from museums and private collections, including lamps, stained glass, jewelry, ceramics, and glass vessels, and many never seen before. Time to plan a trip, pack a thermos of hot mulled cider, and as long as the sun comes out I hope it rains just a little! Art Song 09/26/2009
Individual pieces of glass fit together, making a beautiful image that glows with life. Mozart's notes fit effortlessly together, making beautiful music that lives forever. Today I've been commissioned to create a ring, eco friendly of course. It will feature one embossed musical note, which I will carve out of steel to use again in other designs. A little bird told me 09/21/2009
Lately, I've been embossing into recycled silver and gold a 19th century bird from one of my antique tools. It appears to be a dove, and for its age and small size the detail is wonderful. With my attention on antique birds, it was a delight to stumble upon Kristen Hudgik's night lights. She is also inspired by the beauty and amazing effect of pure light captured in colored glass from another time. Glowing Details 08/19/2009
When the sun shines and every detail glows, stained glass windows invite us to stay awhile. This butterfly is in Wytham Church, designed by Striations in mouth-blown glass make it sparkle. This butterfly among flowers is part of a window in St. John the Baptist, a church in the seaside town of Felixstowe in Suffolk, England. Discarded Tiffany Glass 06/14/2009
Making something unwanted, broken or discarded into a work of art, excites us. If you have visited our web site, online portfolio, daily Twitter updates, Facebook page and jewelry shop, then you already know this! From this blog you also know how we are inspired by the art of light, and of course that includes the magnificant works of Louis Comfort Tiffany. So when I learned about John D'Agostino's exhibition, Empire of Glass, I had to share with you right away! The Griffin Museum of Photography in Winchester, Massachusetts is hosting this exhibition. Paula Tognarelli, the museum's Executive Director, wrote about it, and here is an extract from her article: "John D’Agostino photographs discarded pieces of Tiffany glass. He was destined to do so. The stained glass of Louis Comfort Tiffany has inspired three generations of the D’Agostino family. John’s grandfather, Vito D’Agostino (1898-1968), had a passion for Tiffany glass and through scavenging and installment payments, amassed, piece by piece, a handsome Tiffany glass collection. When the Tiffany Studios were liquidated in 1933, workman removed large sheets of glass from the demolition and smashed the glass into pieces on the streets, dumping the remnants into the East River in New York. Vito D’Agostino rescued many large sheets of glass that would eventually be photographed by his grandson. John’s father, John E. D’Agostino, safeguarded his father’s Tiffany collection. As an abstract painter and collagist, Tiffany glass has influenced his understanding of 20th century abstract painting as well as the characteristic nature of his artwork. John E. D’Agostino says that his work is suggestive of stained glass."We're planning a trip and recommend that if you are nearby Winchester, MA do visit this exhibition too and let us know what you think! -Caroline Angelic 05/26/2009
The center photo shows a handmade English steel stamp from the 1800s, which I'm excited to share with you. It is in wonderful condition, and the detail is incredible. Even tendrils of hair delicately frame her lovely face. I wonder if the maker of this stamp was inspired by glistening gem-colored windows similar to the ones here. The features and countenance are similar. What is most amazing about this steel stamp is that it is under 1/4 of an inch! Part of my collection of antique steel stamps used in my work, but aside from admiring the workmanship and beauty, I have not yet decided how I will feature this one. Stained Glass Inspired 04/25/2009
Searching "stained glass" on Etsy , these wonderful finds turned up. Starting from the top left: A handpainted candle holder, fine art print of stunning reflections behind ornate grating, beautiful gothic window photo notecards, and bright-colored vegan soap. The Mettle of American Stained Glass 03/10/2009
Beautiful glass gathered, blown, shaped and finished by skilled craftsmen done in the same way as when Blenko Glass Co. opened its doors in 1921. The National Cathedral in Washington and many famous cathedrals in Europe are decorated with Blenko stained glass. It is one of only two U.S. companies that makes the one inch thick Dalle de Verre glass used in cathedrals and famous buildings around the world. It was shocking news to learn about its closing this past January. But in just a few weeks, light is shining brighter on Blenko. The courage and fortitude that carried this company through the Great Depression has emerged because Blenko is resuming partial operation! Grand Staircase 01/20/2009
One of the most popular travel destinations in Europe right now is Belfast, and its City Hall dominates the skyline. In 1888 Queen Victoria bestowed city status on Belfast, and immediately plans for this majestic classical renaissance building began. This photo shows part of its grand staircase, which features stained glass portraits of British sovereigns, rescued from bombing during the Second World War. Favorite Window 12/15/2008
We blogged about this window last year, and decided to post our favorite photo we've taken thus far. This exquisite opalescent Tiffany angel is the perfect choice for this time of year too! Enjoy! |

















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