A CUSTOM STAINED GLASS STUDIO

Though an Indiana resident for over forty years, my college career was spent back in my home state at the University of Texas. Once, on a return visit, a former roommate and his wife, invited me to see the stained glass projects they were completing in their beginners’ class.

That was 25 years ago and that was all it took! I was simply fascinated by the endless potential of playing nature’s light through countless colors of glass….. and, in whatever design your mind’s eye could see! Even today, I often find myself looking for a pencil to jot a note or make a sketch following an unexpected inspiration. Colored glass or clear….; flat, textured, or beveled….; whether a panel, window, door, lamp, sun catcher, table-top scene, or fused glass item…; the promise of art glass is that it will brighten your spirit!

So…., did I rush back to Indiana and start a stained glass studio? …. open a retail store? …. or even take a lesson? No! …..but, I did buy a book! And that turned out to be a wise choice since I was already in the early years of a business career, a career that would eventually prove successful enough to allow me to nurture this 20 year hobby into a full-time custom studio.

So, with the book in hand, I made this very simple 6" by 8" leaded panel of a cross.

Many glass artists shudder when they think back to the quality of their very first work and I, too, chuckle at the mistakes I made. But, in all forms of art, it is often the message that matters most! Being a Christian, I am thankful that Jesus Christ is risen and, looking back, I am in awe that He was there when I penciled my very first design! So that is my Sun Glasse beginning. I believe I’ve been inspired to make this change in my life and I’m listening intently for the rest of the story!

                                                                                           Dwayne Gooch