Bathroom Windows in progress

Almost completed assembling first panel.

Artist Statement

The following is my artist statement for the art show I have coming up in April.  I wanted to focus more on what my art does and can do for the observer/client. 

 

I love creating in glass and oils!  The different textures and colors of glass and how light dances within the glass are all things I enjoy about the medium.  With oils I enjoy the vivid colors, plasticity and smoothness of the paint.  These two mediums have been the most satisfying for me to express myself. I am always learning new ways to be innovative in these media.

In both mediums, my design work is fluid whether it is a geometric design or free form.  I create asymmetrical designs which add more interest.  Inspiration for my work comes from nature, architecture, the feeling of something whether it is the sound of an instrument, an emotion or season.

Along with my designs another unique feature of my work is the way that I bevel glass.  Instead of keeping the bevel the same width around the shape I change the width to create more depth and movement.  Incorporating these bevels increases light play and interest to each project. 

One of several reasons I create is because of the joy my work brings to those whose homes they go in.  One client told me that after experiencing 18 years of my glasswork in their home, they expressed how much they love the work and how it improved the ambiance of their home. 

I enjoy making something that impacts people’s lives in a positive way.  I look forward for the opportunity to make an impact in your environment whether home, office or other space.  Please call 509-280-6344 to schedule a consultation.

Bathroom Windows- in progress, beveling

I am beveling portions of the leaves instead of all around the shape which adds more interest and light play. 

Bathroom Windows-stained glass

On July 11, 2014 I posted "Bathroom Window Design- dual windows" showing a design for doing two stained glass panels in a bathroom. I have begun working on the piece and the following images show the process of figuring out the color scheme, drawing the layout and cutting the color pieces that will be beveled.  The first image is the space the panels will go in. The client wants privacy and various color scattered throughout the piece.

Window hanging piece

I like how the shapes are different sizes and the angle is different on each one.  Adds more movement.

Group art show Jan 2014

I have a painting in a group art show starting this evening at Angst Gallery in Vancouver WA.  Title is The Male Form Show and runs all month.  Reception is from 5-9 and the address is 1015 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98660. 
I will have a solo show at the same gallery in April. 

Recommendations and quotes from clients

The following are quotes and recommendations from clients:

I first became aware of Isaac Smith's work via his paintings.  I was  

overwhelmed by the expression of emotion he presents on his canvas  

creations.  He plays bold colors and deep shadows into a depth that  

draws the viewer into his intent.  Upon further review, I also  

discovered his unique way with glass.  I have not seen any other  

artist use such a free flowing representation with this medium.  Glass  

can be so harsh and structured in it's display, but Isaac transforms  

his pieces into fluid displays of grace.  I find a soothing calmness  

come to my soul as I view his work.  I highly recommend everyone to  

take the time to breathe in his work and feel his spirit flow from his  

hands.

Jim Breidenbach

President, General Contractor

Craftsmen Construction, Inc.

3106 N. Argonne

Spokane, WA 99212

Office: (509) 534-2267

Fax: (509) 536-2880

Email: craftsmen@craftsmenconst.com

I commissioned Isaac to create a partial window for my dining area. 
I wanted a design that worked with the view and had movement to it.   
His initial design was great and was modified after a little more input.  
 After the completed window was installed he showed me how the 
movement in the design also worked 
with the marbling detail I had on my walls.   
I highly recommend Isaac for any window project for his artistic 
talent and detail.

Marvin Reguindin; Spokane, WA

Isaac was hired to design and install beveled glass in our existing raised 
wood panel kitchen cabinets.  We were hoping for a new look.  
 Isaac’s custom design and hand beveling work was superior to anything 
I have ever seen before.  We were absolutely blown away by the 
transformation.  Isaac was a dream to work with.   
I would highly recommend his services to anyone!

Kevin Guthrie; 2009; Spokane, WA

Isaac designed some stained glass windows for our new home in the 
country.  We had some antique leaded glass windows from our old home 
in Seattle which had great sentimental value.  He did a beautiful job, 
incorporating the old and the new—with a gorgeous design of native 
grasses and pinecones. 

Linda Finney, 2006, Spokane, WA

We first met Isaac Smith at an art show in 2008.  After viewing some 
of his work and looking at multiple pictures of his other works, 
we contracted him to create 
a stained glass to adorn a window in our home.   
The size of this piece is about 
30" by 30".  He was able to incorporate some of the same 
textured glass we had 
in another window into the piece.  It turned out beautiful 
and we continue to 
enjoy in today.  It was designed to catch the sun at various times
of the day and year to give several different effects. 
We have had many complements on the piece enhancing
the beauty of our home.

We were very pleased with the entire experience, from design 
to installation.   
After minimal changes to the original drawing, the piece was finished 
in a very timely fashion and installed by Isaac. 
We feel that we obtained a beautiful piece 
for a very reasonable cost, and are able to recommend Isaac without 
reservation for his glasswork. 

Bruce & Maxine Johnson

Spokane, WA

I am more than happy to extend a positive reference to you and your 

glass business.  Our customer has been very happy with
the results of your design and installation. 
The stained glass work is truly individual and a form of
art in her home.

Wishing you the best.  Dave Parsons.  Parsons Custom Builders.com

Isaac,

Thank you so much for the beautifully designed window for my master

 bedroom. 

People constantly tell me how much they love the way it appears to flow 

in a breeze. 

You listened to me in the touch of Asian feel and colors I wanted. 

When you brought me the different sketches to choose from I did not 

think that the end result would be so beautiful and exact. 

You completed the project in a timely manner. The price was great for 

the results you provided. 

I highly recommend you to anyone seeking affordable answers to privacy 

with an artistic flair that fits well into the style of the house.

Respectfully,

Lisa Shanahan

I appreciate your talent more than you know! Your stained glass is 

gorgeous!!!!!!!!!   

Your paintings are breathtaking!   

I can definitely see the influence of stained glass in your paintings.

Erika Jones, Spokane, WA

Window hanging piece completed

I enjoy the textured glass going in different directions.  The red beveled glass really is striking.  The different widths of the beveled triangle gives more dimension to the piece.  The design being asymmetrical adds more interest.

Window hanging piece in progress.

Pieced all together, next is to add the outer bar, zinc, then solder and putty.  It will sit for a week for the putty to dry and then I will clean it.  The red piece on the upper left is one of three that will be beveled and bonded on top of the clear beveled pieces after everything is cleaned up.

Hand beveled triangle- First 3 stages

This triangle show the first three of four stages in hand beveling.  The bottom is the initial stage to get the angle and grind the glass, smoothing stage is taking another layer off to get rid of the deep scratches, prepolish is another layer off just before polishing.  Notice the widths of the bevel, they are not the same as a standard bevel is.  I do this in my work to create more depth and movement. 

Presentation/demonstration

Just finished giving a presentation/demonstration of my work to a group of 30 Vancouver Artist Association members.  I enjoyed explaining the process to designing for glass and painting as well showing how to cut glass and the beveling process. I will be getting pictures to post later.

Heart Shaped hanging piece- completed

This is the completed piece.  I really enjoy the design and beveling. The red on the left is two pieces beveled and bonded on which added an extra design element.  Exterior came is copper.  Fun piece!

Heart Shaped hanging piece-pieced together and soldered

All pieced together and soldered.  The edge is copper came.  Clear hand beveled pieces will have red textured glass, beveled and bonded on top.  Next step is to putty the piece and let it dry for several days. 

Heart shaped leaded glass hanging piece- beveling complete

I am working on a leaded glass hanging piece.  It is a designed heart with clear beveled glass in which the center portion will eventually have red beveled glass bonded on top.  The clear beveling is complete.

Art for Your Windows

I have been thinking of this as a phrase to add in marketing my leaded glass work- "Art for Your Windows".  What do you think?

Interior Window dividing two rooms

I was watching HGTV today and one house had a window up high in a bedroom separating it from another room (unsure as to what kind of room).  I thought what a great place to put a leaded glass window.  It would add a nice touch to both rooms.  I did one like that in a house in Anchorage, Alaska where the window separated a bedroom from a walkway at the top of stairs.  It was up high enough so no one could see in.
How do I get in touch with these designers to show them what can be done in a space like that?

Smaller leaded glass hanging piece

This is approximately 12 inches tall by 11 inches wide.  Below are some details of the beveled glass.

Copper came is used for the border, lead came for the interior.  Seedy glass is the clear textured for the background, different colored water glass for the main design. 

Bathroom window design- dual window

This is a design for a bathroom window that has a slider.  The design shows two separate panels to allow the slider to still open.  They will mount in front on the ledge.  I will show pics once project is accepted.

I enjoy the flow if this piece.  The pencil (light) lines are the window panes/framing. 

Daddy's baby girl

I have been enjoying taking care of my baby girl.  She is adorable. Thinking about making the top image into a painting. 
Next month I will post a pic of a leaded glass design for a bathroom, a design for a small hanging piece, and a couple of drawings.

Society of Washington Artists Spring Art Show- BEST OF SHOW!!!

May 17-20 was the Society of Washington Artist Spring Art Show and I won Best of Show for a painting titled Pianist and First Place in 3D for a glass piece titled Gusty!!!  The judge was Sonja Donnelly "from Lake Oswego, Oregon who is an expressionist painter working in acrylic, colored pencil and oil.  She has appeared in shows around the United States including several in New York."

Birds of a Feather juried show

I just found out that I have been accepted into a juried exhibition titled Birds of a Feather at Gallery 360, 111 W Ninth St, Vancouver, WA 98660, June 6- June 30.  My painting titled "Second Flight" was accepted. It is a feeling of flight and has elements of birds and aircraft. The three panels also represent torso and wings This painting was of a glass piece I did titled Flight.

Two pane slider window, leaded glass design

This client has a two pane window that slides across each other.  The design needed to work as the windows are side by side and when one slides in front of the other. The drawings show both side by side and overlapping.  I do not have a pic of the actual window overlapping.  I enjoyed doing this piece.

overlapping design

Prints available

Postcards to prints of my work can be purchased at http://isaacdsmith.imagekind.com
Various sizes and paper/canvas, matting and framing are all available.

Art glass piece titled Gusty in wood freestanding frame

This is the piece that won best of show last month.  The wood frame was made by my good friend Mike Yochum.

Best of Show

I won Best of Show at the Battle Ground Art Alliance juried fine arts show last weekend.  My family attended and my son was excited.

Juried Show this weekend

I made it into a juried show put on by the Battle Ground Art Alliance.  I have a stained glass piece in a frame which I will display images at a later date.  The show is at Battle Ground Community Center Saturday from 10a-8p and Sunday from 11a- 3p. 

Glass piece in front door

This piece looks great in a door.  This is on display at Discount Doors in Vancouver, WA and is for sale. 

First project of 2013

I am doing a leaded glass piece going into a front door.  The door is at a door company in Vancouver, WA and will be displayed at the Portland Home Show the end of February.

This is the design drawn out.

This is the completed glass piece not installed in the door.

Detail of bevels.  Take note of  the bevel widths.