Large Stained Glass XC

 

(Above:  Large Stained Glass XC.  Framed:  63 1/4" x 23 1/4".  Layers of fused polyester stretch velvet on recycled black packaging felt with free-motion machine embroidery and unique melting techniques.  Click on any image to enlarge.)

When I created the first four pieces in this large format, I never thought they would sell.  I needed them for my installation Blues Chapel.  That was way back in 2006.  (Click HERE for the second blog post I wrote!  It includes a photo of those first four Large Stained Glass fiber artworks!)  The facts of the matter are that I started this blog because I wanted to hold on to that early installation, share it, have a place on the "world wide web" where it might live forever.  At the time, I thought that Blues Chapel would be the best work I'd ever make.  Little did I know that there would be other installations, an ever widening range of artwork in my future, and that twenty years later I'd actually need to make more in this series.

 

(Above:  Detail of Large Stained Glass XC.)

There were two Large Stained Glass pieces at the Grovewood Gallery just a month or so ago but both now have permanent homes.  I was asked to "bring more"!  It's always a good day when one's gallery requests more work.  It meant that I needed to get to work!

 

(Above:  Detail of Large Stained Glass XC as seen from an angle.)

I always make two when approaching this large size.  Why?  Well ... for this work, Steve has to cut a 60" x 40" piece of anti-reflective UV glass in half ... 60" x 20".  Half is for one piece, but there's no great way to store the other half!  It's up to me to make two at a time just to prevent a big, expensive piece of glass from getting accidentally broken.