Art nouveau inspired stained glass art door-lights

Today the Classic Glass blog would like to showcase a stained glass art installation by resident artisan Rudi Waros. The inspiration for these stained glass art door-lights came from the existing art nouveau decor of the clients home in Bethesda, MD. Art Nouveau is French for “new art” and was popularized by Czech artist Alphonse Mucha in the late 19th Century. Its distinct influence can be found worldwide permeating all facets of decorative design including architectural, interior, furniture and jewelry design. This style is best characterized by its rhythmic pattern of curvy lines and organic subject matter such as flowers, leaves and vines.

With the desired style established, Waros proceeded to design a stained glass work of art incorporating these elements, he also utilized a specific type of glass to convey the qualities of the art nouveau style. Because of its icy, wax like appearance, opalescent glass – “green stipple” was chosen for the background. Stipple glass was created by Youghiogheny Glass (pronounced YOKaGAYNEE) and was originally intended to recreate the look of certain Tiffany and Company lampshades. The soft qualities of stipple glass make this the perfect choice for representing the colors of art nouveau and its subtle texture is highlighted as light passes through it. Waros created the dimensional glass rose by using an etching technique to shade pink flash glass. He then applied a silver stain treatment that was finally kiln fired to achieve the flower’s orange center. The result is a handmade, one of a kind piece of art that really compliments the existing decor of the clients home.

This stained glass art installation is a great example of the custom decorative glass that Classic Glass has been creating for over thirty years. Is there a door or window that you’ve always wanted to spruce up? Contact Classic Glass today to begin your own creative glass art journey! Our professional glass artists are always eager to turn your ideas into a reality.

Stained Glass Art detail

Chincoteague Hall in College Park, MD

How do you take a 20×16 inch multi-layered ink drawing on semi-transparent vellum paper and turn it into an 8×7 foot glass art triptych? Classic Glass undertook this challenge and produced an impressive printed glass triptych that serves as the finishing touch on the $7 million renovation of the University of Maryland’s Chincoteague Hall in College Park, Maryland.

The original art of Ruth Bowler titled "Overlap"

Beginning in July 2010, the university’s project manager, architect Mary Ossi oversaw the 22,648-square foot renovation of Chincoteague Hall. The university chose to feature a former student’s original artwork, Ruth Bowler’s “Overlap,” which received first prize for two dimensional art in the 2002 Sadat Art for Peace Competition. In describing her piece, Bowler explains, “When I think of peace, I am unconsciously drawn to a distinct space. I call this space overlap. It is the moment after we realize each other’s differences and the moment before we decide what to do with them. In this fluid, negotiable space, the possibility of peace exists.”

Printed Glass Triptych on 6 individual panels

Classic Glass’s challenge began with determining how to best capture the spirit of Bowler’s art while accurately depicting the semi-transparent piece against a stone wall backdrop. Over several months, a variety of samples were developed and taken to Chincoteague Hall as Classic Glass moved closer to an optimal solution. Original plans to etch the design proved ineffective in creating enough contrast to the stone wall. Carving the glass and infilling the design with paint also proved to be impractical as the complexity of the layered elements and interacting lines could not be achieved in a “clean” manner. Finally, because of the precise control of the technique, Classic Glass determined that glass printing would create a high visual impact and provide the needed contrast to the stone backdrop. By directly printing on glass, the striking look and feel of Bowler’s original art was realized.

Detail of Printed Glass Triptych

With glass printing as the chosen technique, Classic Glass designer Jacob Robison moved on to the challenge of recreating and enlarging Bowler’s artwork. Using advanced vector software, Robison meticulously recreated a precise high resolution version of the original ink design. Three double-paneled pieces of glass were selected to build the glass triptych. The art was then printed on the front and back surfaces of each sandwiched panel excluding the front lobby surface. This functional approach provides a smooth front surface and protects the ink from curious fingers. White ink was printed as a transparency on the glass to successfully recreate the overlay effect of the original vellum.

Routed Acrylic Plaques lining the hallway of Chincoteague Hall

Today, Egypt’s former President Anwar Sadat’s quests for peace greets visitors to Chincoteague Hall in the form of Classic Glass’s stunning representation of Bowler’s award-winning art. The newly-renovated hall will house the offices of the Baha’i Chair for World Peace, along with the university’s Sadat Chair for Peace and Development, and the George and Lisa Zakhem Kahlil Gibran Chair for Values and Peace.

Individual glass tiles are backpainted to create a pattern effect

One of our most popular products, back-painted glass tile, is available in custom sizes and colors to match or accent your home or office. For the above installation, Classic Glass worked with architect and designer Mercedes Rivera Goetz to create a unique tile design that compliments the existing decor of this Arlington residence. Back-painted glass colors are custom mixed to match most Pantone, Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore color swatches. The inherent qualities of back painted glass offer sleek detail to any interior, and its ease of maintenance is very popular among clientele. Back-painted glass tile as an architectural element can be used for walls and backsplashes and is a great choice for those seeking to modernize their space.

Carved glass table top for a private residence in Washington, DC

By combining deep carved glass with etched glass shading, Classic Glass artisans create stunning visuals that are both beautiful and sophisticated. This latest piece by glass artist Rudi Waros combines both techniques and is accented by an edge lit LED system. The client wished to capture the organic qualities of water and thus requested the carved glass’ edge mimic that of rippling waves. Moving in from the carved edge, soft etched shading fades into circular bubbles that disperse as they reach the table’s center. The carved relief is on the underside which allows the top side of the glass table to be smooth and functional.

Carved glass table top illuminated with LED lighting system

Incorporating relief carving with LED lighting produces dramatic illumination, contrast and vibrant color that washes through the glass. These powerful lights instantly accentuate carved glass, adding interest and personality. The controls allow the user to choose from a range of colors and even set the scheme for color fading or strobe like effects. The result is a work of art that highlights the overall design of the clients kitchen. Classic Glass artisans specialize in combining traditional glass techniques with modern technology to create truly unique works of art.

Carving and painting on both sides of the glass sign creates dimension

Custom glass signs are one of the most versatile products that Classic Glass has to offer. Glass can be fabricated to just about any kind of shape, size and hole specification. In addition, several treatment options including etching, carving, painting and even cast glass are available. There are many ways to reproduce your logo or message onto glass and our artisans are happy to make recommendations based on the intent and function of the space.

Etching and Painting is both aesthetic and functional in purpose

The custom glass sign for Story Partners (above) is a great example of using an etched treatment to serve a specific function. Because of the logo’s grey type, and to maintain the overall clarity against the stone wall; Classic Glass recommended that the back of the sign be surface etched and the logo painted on the front surface. The effect diffuses a small area of the stone wall and allows the logo to be viewed without distractions. This ultimately gives Story Partner’s glass sign greater impact.

Glass donor walls can be updated with additional names

Glass donor walls are typically used in two ways; to recognize the financial contributions of an individual or group, or to memorialize an individual after he/she has passed. Classic Glass produces this type of signage for organization’s like the Georgetown Chimes (above) The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Temple Beth Ami to name a few. When it’s time to update a name(s) Classic Glass will pick the sign up, fabricate the new content and then re-install the sign until the next update is needed. Attractive glass signage could not be any easier!