 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||||
CONTEMPORARY Contemporary and modern stained glass by Lance FeeneyStained glass designer Lance Feeney began designing non-traditional stained glass in 1975. After more than thirty years designing and studying the medium, he believes successful stained glass windows incorporate; a subtle blend of design innovation, experience, sensitivity and technical proficiency, as well as stylistic compatibility between glass and architecture. Stained glass is decorative as well as functional and contemporary buildings constructed with modern materials require sympathetic stained glass design responses. Lance Feeney's stained glass windows achieve visual harmony and stylistic cohesion with their architectural setting. Stained glass - a dynamic art powered by lightStained glass is essentially a kinetic and dynamic art. Energized through its relationship with light and transparency; the intensity of both colour and image can change according to the brightness of light during the day, the time of year, the weather and external objects. For example, a deciduous tree viewed through a window in summer will present a unique shade of green. During winter when bare, the same tree's branches will contrast against the sky. All external elements (clouds, buildings trees and changes in light) affect sometimes subtly, sometimes dramatically - the image perceived by the eye. A surprisingly kinetic art form when used skillfully, stained glass can achieve either a dramatic or an equally subtle and mysterious effect. Using transparency in contemporary stained glass designTransparent colourless glass is made by melting a mix of silica, soda and limestone at about 2700 degrees Fahrenheit. Unlike wood and painted canvas, which reflects light, the structure of glass allows light to pass through. In a perfect sheet of glass, the light rays enter and emerge with their original brilliance and without distortion. Variations in thickness and small flaws like bubbles however, deflect light rays. These imperfections diffuse or concentrate the light creating a fascinating and ever changing shimmer and iridescence. For this reason, we use hand made and textured glass. This glass maximizes visual distortion and produces wonderful movement and kinetic images when looked through. We also use beveled, cast and prismatic glass, to produce interesting visual effects. Using opacity and translucency in contemporary stained glass designBy utilising opaque (not able to be seen through) and textured glass, transparency can be reduced while allowing light to be transmitted. This effect is unique to glass and is particularly useful when privacy is required, or when an external view needs to be screened or eliminated. Light can be transmitted from either a natural or artificial source. Opaque and translucent glass is produced by applying a thin veneer of opaque glass to a transparent glass base. The process is called 'flashing'. By varying the transparency, colour and thickness (of the glass veneer), different effects can be produced. A unique quality produced by opaque and translucent 'flashed glass' is an ability to hold light on the glass surface and produce a radiant glowing effect. Washes of glass paint can also be applied to transparent glass and kiln fired to produce similar effects. Using colour in contemporary stained glass designAlthough there is an extensive range of tone and colour available to the stained glass artist designer, there are only two basic methods of colouring glass. In the first method, metallic oxides are dissolved in molten glass, and the molecular structure absorbs some light wavelengths while transmitting others. The unabsorbed and transmitted wavelengths of light give the glass its colour. For example, glass that contains iron oxide is green, blue glass contains cobalt, and yellow glass, selenium. In the second method, chemical particles are dispersed or suspended in the molten liquid. Certain colours will pass through the glass while others are absorbed. Particles of gold, for example are sometimes dispersed through glass to produce a particular ruby red colour. It is almost miraculous that very early in the history of civilization, man developed glass - this amazing substance which sparkles with diamantine brilliance, which has as fascinating an iridescence as an opal and which can be as deeply infused with colour as a ruby, emerald, or sapphire. Quite apart from the story or image a stained glass window may convey, it is the jewel-like qualities of glass which make it unique. Understanding how to harness this powerful medium - where colour and brightness increases exponentially in relation to light intensity - can mean the difference between producing great beauty, or unrestrained garishness. Designing contemporary stained glassContemporary architectural stained glass designs are produced by a process of consultation, conceptualisation and design development. (See Designs section of this website for more details). A range of techniques are used to manufacture our windows including: leaded glass; painted, stained, enameled and fired glass; glass appliqué; glass engraving; glass casting and polished glass; fused and slumped glass - are employed to achieve designed outcomes. All work is manufactured to the highest technical standards using proven traditional techniques and premium quality materials. Contemporary and modern stained glass by Lance Feeney:The selected projects include just some of the contemporary stained glass projects completed since 1977. They include large scale and smaller commissions and have been chosen to illustrate the range of design responses and manufacturing techniques utilised by Lance Feeney Stained Glass Design.
Traditional and figurative stained glass design projects by Lance Feeney:
Contemporary, traditional, figurative and abstract designs by Lance Feeney:
Studio glass objects by Lance Feeney:CV and talks:
Contact details:Telephone: 61 2 9558 8309 |
