I seem to be getting some nice requests for some gilded letters lately, which is good. I really like doing this and enjoy the process as well as the result. Gilded letters are typically done on the reverse of glass which allows for the brilliance of the metal to shine. So far I’m doing this all by hand, old school. I know it takes much longer to do it this way but drawing the designs first is part of the  process that I enjoy and there is some satisfaction in doing as they did BC…that’s before computers.

I am very fortunate to have become acquainted with two of the masters of the trade, Noel Weber and John Studden. Dave Smith of England is considered by many to be the finest glass artist alive today. He is coming to the United States in November to teach a week long workshop in Bakersfield, CA. This workshop will be hosted by Dean Ross who hosts the gilding conclaves. My current goal is to attend this workshop in November and elevate my skill to a whole new level. Examples of Dave’s work and talent can be seen here.

I was fortunate enough to be invited to the Conclave the past two years. I attended the conclave in 2013 but missed it this year. I plan to return next February and look forward to the educational opportunities there as well as meeting others who are into this art. This annual Conclave sounds like it is some mysterious secret meeting doesn’t it? It is actually a gathering of those of us who pursue glass art; the gilding, silvering, chipping, reverse painting and decorating of glass. Much information is shared at these conclaves. Each artist who attends brings a certain skill set to the gathering and it is shared with the others. These meetings are held in honor of and continuing the tradition of Rick Glawson who many consider was the one responsible for the modern day revival of the art.

Here are a couple of my latest pieces. These are very simple in design as compared to much more elaborate work but some times simple is desirable. Each is a hand gilded piece done in reverse on the glass with 23kt gold leaf. Each letter is also hand backed which is to say a black paint was used to seal the gold in place. Custom framing with suede colored mat board as a back finished each piece off appropriately for it’s intended use.

The first piece was commissioned by the Ouray Alchemist for his pharmaceutical museum. If you ever get the chance, this is a must see in Ouray, Colorado. His information is here.

This is what the finished piece looked like in my studio:

and this next picture is of the piece in it’s setting in front of the door to the museum:

This next piece was commissioned by a customer to go on the wall between a framed photograph of her husband and on of Abraham: