The goal was to create glasswork inspired by a professional glass artist.
Research
Flora Jamieson's "Early Birds"
For this project, I knew I wanted to work in cold glass processing over the hot shop, and after researching different glass processes I decided to do stained glass. The artist I choose to reference was Flora Jameson, a contemporary stained glass artist in the UK. I specifically referenced how she created her birds.
I decided that I wanted to do dinosaurs, as they would be easy to illustrate in her style. I also decided to do multiple layers that way there would be less complex shapes to cut out. Deciding to make a three-layer piece led me to want to make it into a lightbox.
Concept
I started by sketching out my different layers and turning them into a digital file. Once I had the layers designed I printed them out and created a foam core model, which allowed me to see full scale but also plan out the dimensions of wood I would need in order to create the frame that the glass would sit in.
Building Process
I also used the printouts to create a template for each layer, allowing me to cut and test the shapes to insure they fit together correctly. The stained glass process involves several steps that require the glass to fit together snuggly. Once cut the glass was ground down and then the edges were wrapped with copper foil tape, this tape gives the solder somewhere to stick. Then the layers were soldered together and cleaned.
The wood frame was built like a picture frame, but it had a channel and 3 rabbets to fit the LED strip and the three panes of stained glass. There is also a back panel that has mylar on it to bounce and diffuse light more effectively.
After completing the frame I assembled everything and painted the frame a dark green to make the piece more cohesive even when the lights were off.
Final
