the Queens Park Synagogue Project
This is the windows for the Queens Park Synagogue project completed in 1992. I worked on this for around three years designing and making. The first windows, the vertical windows were made in my then studio in Glasgow. All remaining windows were made in the Derix Studio in Taunusstein in Germany.
this project, I started making when I was about 30. It is the kind of project that you think you would make much later in life. It was a career defining project that took me to another level of understanding that knowledge comes from research, it is not inherently inside you, you have to find it and absorb it before you can begin to design. I took me about six months just to research the themes before I began designing. The result of my research astonished the people who asked me to do this work. Probably the most important conclusion I came to was that the Sabbath was the most important festival and it is generally overlooked. The half dome was not part of my original brief but changed everything.
Project Details
Background: These projects were commissioned as part of a series exploring the interplay of light and color in architectural spaces. Using Bullseye Glass, I aimed to create pieces that evoke emotion and tell a story through their patterns and textures.
Techniques: The works combine traditional stained glass methods with modern fusing techniques. Each piece is hand-cut, assembled, and fired to achieve precise color gradients and structural integrity.
Inspiration: Inspired by natural forms and musical rhythms, such as the continuous flow of bagpipe music, I developed a system to translate sound into visual patterns. For example, the piece inspired by "The Flowers of the Forest" uses strips of color to represent the tune’s structure.
Process: The creation process involved extensive sketching, glass selection, and iterative firing. Collaboration with clients ensured each piece met their vision while maintaining artistic integrity.
Impact: These works have been installed in residential, religious, and public spaces, enhancing environments with their vibrant light effects. Viewer feedback highlights the emotional resonance and technical precision of the pieces.
