AdammsGallery

Lighting Glass

 

by Dan Chase-Gritlefeld

_Lighting plays a significant role in the display of any art piece, but particularly glass art. Translucent glass loves light and vice versa. By placing your pieces in well lit areas, you will be able to expose yourself to the vibrant colors and/or rich detail that the artist intended you to see.

You can achieve the desired display by experimenting with various lighting methods. Utilizing natural light by placing your glass near windows or beneath a skylight is one way to achieve the desired effect. There really is no replacement for natural sunlight. But there are three downsides to natural lighting: 1) limited daylight/time, 2) weather (clouds vs. sunny skies), and 3) changing position of the sun throughout the day (although some people enjoy the variance in appearance from a gradually changing light source such as the sun). These three factors work against you by limiting your control of the light throughout the day. Additionally, when coming home at night, you won't be able to capture the brilliance of your piece since the sun has vanished for the evening.

To counter these obstacles, consider alternate lighting sources like floor lamps, desk lamps, overhead lighting, spot lights, flood lights, and other types of lights. Sometimes you can discover new features of your glass art when the light hits your piece at a particular angle. Remember, not all glass art is the same. So experiment with different amounts of light exposure.

For example, sometimes a subtle, small ray of light is all you need to allow for brilliant illumination. Other times, you may need full exposure. Don't be afraid to get creative and consider using light that is bounced off of a wall or ceiling.

If you'd rather play it safe, just remember these two rules of thumb:

1)      For glass that is mostly translucent (meaning light can pass through it), be sure to place your art in a position where the light comes from behind the piece to provide for full illumination. Again, natural lighting will allow your piece to shimmer and display the finer details of your piece. Also consider lighting your translucent piece from the bottom. This can produce a magnificent visual.

2)      For glass that is opaque (meaning light cannot pass through), consider lighting the piece from the front, side or overhead to achieve the optimal presentation. Lighting from behind or below, may only produce subtle effects for opaque pieces of glass. However, sometimes back-lit or bottom-lit opaque pieces can produce a beautiful glow.

When in doubt, feel free to stop by Adamm’s Gallery in Santa Monica, CA and ask for lighting suggestions.  Or you can send an email to adamm@adammsgallery.com and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.

Tommie Rush "The Joy of Being a Glass Artist"

          

 

I was speaking to Tommie Rush yesterday. Every time I talk to Tommie I feel full of laughter and joy. This woman is a wonderful, optimistic, and loving person. Her work reflects her radiance. I have known Tommie for at least ten years. Not only is she a wonderful artist, but an excellent business person. I can always count on her to deliver work on time, and without exception it is flawless.

Tommie makes very thick walled pieces which works very well with her designs. She works in a variety of palettes from pale greens and blues, to bright reds, yellows, and cobalt blue. All of her work is lightly sandblasted and sealed to give a soft matte finish which tends to glow with a comfortable radiance.

Many of her pieces are simple designs such as leaves and vines appliqued on the bowl of a vase or bowl. Then she also makes built up sculptural vases. Her tulip, daffodil, flowers and vines, and Iris vases feature three dimensional flowers fused to a colorful body. All of her work is very solid, and often quite heavy.

I am so please to have her work in my gallery, and to consider her a friend.

You can see Tommie's work at most major glass galleries in the U.S.A., and at Adamm';s Stained Glass & Gallery. Santa Monica, CA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glass Sculptures of John Mc Donald

 

There are many types of glass sculpture. There is the fantastic and exotic hot sculptures of Richard Jolly. Blown glass and hot worked sculptures of William Morris, cast glass of Susan Gott, slumped and fused glass of Karen Ehart and Jane Tivol, and blown glass of Barry Entner. The styles and names go on and on. Each of the techniques has there appeal.

There are a multitude of relatively unknown glass artists that produce stunning work at reasonable prices. One of my favorites in this category is John McDonald. John learned much of his trade while working for Rollin Karg in Ketchi, Kansas, and at the prestigious Corning School of Glass in Corning New York. John works out of his studio in Valley Center, Kansas.

John is a very talented and innovative artist. His continuum sculptures are fluid, colorful, and very appealing to all ages. John also blows a variety of vessels that have wonderful depth, color, and engaging shapes.

Whenever we get some of John's work in the gallery it sells very quickly. If you are not familiar with his work I suggest you check it out.

MeridianStreetArtGlass.com

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Stained Glass Restoration-Grace Church of Orange

 

BEFORE , Note buckling, and twisted zinc came divider

Early September 2011 we(Adamm's Stained Glass, Santa Monica, CA.) completed the restoration of the stained glass entry for Grace Church of Orange, Orange, California. We removed the entry stained glass, boarded up the openings, and brought them to our studio.

Once we had them in the studio we disassembled them removing all the leading and then cleaned the glass.The lead was a variety of 1/4", 1/2" and 5/8" wide. Many of the pieces were broken, so we either re-leaded in at the beaks or replaced the pieces completely. Matching the variety of colors was not a problem as the windows were just over 50 years old. Much of the glass we either had in stock or was easily available. We generally use Mad Dog Stained Glass(Van Nuys ,CA), or Hollander Glass(Stanton, CA) as our suppliers. However, if necessary we will use Bendheim, Kokomo Opalescent , Uroborus, or Bullseye Glass directly.

It is interesting to note that the side light panels did not have reinforcing bars. As a result the panels were creasing(bending) on the diagonal leading. When we re leaded we added reinforcing bars along the lead lines. The panels originally were installed using 3/4" zinc came as dividers. These cames did not hold up over the years and the panels were bowing and twisting from the weight.When we reinstalled the central panels we used 1" T bar for support between the panels. This relieves the pressure on the bottom panels and makes them much more sturdy. The windows cleaned up like gemstones. We were told that the congregation was greatly relieved to see the windows restored. Evidently they were very weary of walking under them with their condition being so dangerous. They were very pleased with the results, and we were very gratified .

AFTER

 

Adamm's Stained Glass Gallery Show "Firefox & Co."

We kicked off our Gallery show "Firefox & Co." on August 11th. We had a wonderful reception for the artists, Danielle Blade of Gartner and Blade Glass and Paul Allen Counts. Stephen Gartner, the other half of Gartner and Blade wasn't able to make the trip out from their home base of Ashley Falls, MA. The show was well attended, especially considering the economy, and our guests were delighted to see and hear Danielle and Paul talk about their inspirations, techniques, and history with glass. Danielle was born on The Isle of Wright, England. Here father is a glass blower as well as her two brothers. Danielle visited the United States in 1985 and decided to stay. She met Stephen Gartner while she was working as a glass blower in Arkansas. Shortly after they left to start their own studio. After a few years of blowing glass on their own in Arkansas they decided to move North to Ashley Falls. Their work is a collaboration. Danielle blows the forms and Stephen does all the sculptural work. They are constantly evolving and creating new forms and introducing new colors and patterns. Danielle had a large quantity of worked shipped out for the show.

Paul Allen Counts is a Southern California native. He began glass blowing at Palomar Junior College and received his Masters in Fine Arts-Glass at California State College Fullerton. He has worked and studied with the masters of the world including Venetian giants Lino Tagliapiertra, and Pino Signoretto.Paul is well known for his whimsical teapots, fish, and vases. One glance of his work will bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart. Paul resides in Southern California with his wife and children.

The show was a great success, although the turnout was less than expected. Actually these days we didn't really know how many to expect. Everyone one had a wonderful time discussing techniques with the artists and art glass in general with one another. Sales, while not the most important aspect of the show, were much higher than anticipated and set a record for all the shows.

With a great selection of these artist's work in the gallery we look forward to continuing interest.

Wendy Lin Jewelry Designer

  

I met Wendy LIn in Baltimore earlier this year at the American Craft Council show. Immediately I was struck with the originality, and wonderful quality of her work. Wendy creates what she calls caterpillar bracelets that are filled with fascinating beads that move with wrist movement, and are comfortable to wear. They are easy to put on with a convenient and safe snap. 

Her lariat necklaces are made with thousands of tiny beads with either pearl or jade accents.  Her earrings are expertly designed for color, texture, and above all style. Wendy uses combinations of pearls and semi-precious stones such as aquamarine, carnelian, and garnet along with Venetian glass.

 

        



All of her pieces have the same style and sopistication that she has. I am vary happy to have her work in my gallery, and already see how fascinated my customers are with her work.

Wendy is a life long knitter who applies textile techniques to jewelry. A journalist for 25 years, she began her second career when a friend brought her gold mesh bracelet to the editors of InStyle magazine.

Wendy exhibits at juried craft shows. She lives in Great Neck, NY.

California Preservation Foundation

 

On Sunday May 15th I set up a booth at the 36th California Preservation Foundation Conference. This year the conference was held at the Fairmont Hotel in Santa Monica.

For many years now we have been restoring and repairing stained and leaded glass as well as etched and beveled glass. He have developed quite a name for ourselves, and have directed our efforts more towards this area of stained glass work in recent years. Among the more notable projects we have worked on are :

The Doheny Mansion at Chester Place Campus

Mt St Mary's College, Los Angeles, CA

St Joseph Chapel at Santa Teresita, Duarte , CA

2nd Church of Christ Scientist, Los Angeles, CA

The Hollyhock House, Barnsdall Park, Los Angeles, CA

The Oviatt Building, Los Angeles, CA

Sinai Temple, West wood, CA

Korean Philadelphia Presbyterian Church, Los Angeles, CA

Kerkoff Hall, UCLA, Westwood, CA

Royce Hall, UCLA, Westwood, CA

Hershey Hall, UCLA, Westwood, CSA

Woodlawn Cemetery, Santa Monica, CA

New Bethel Baptist Church, Venice, CA

St.Albans Episcopal Church, Westwood, CA

Beit T’shuvah, Synagogue, Los Angeles, CA

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Santa Monica, CA

Metropolitan Community Church, Los Angeles, CA

Westwood United Methodist Church, Westwood, CA

The Kabbalah.Center, Los Angeles, CA

Adat Shalom Synagogue, Los Angeles, CA

Motown Mansion, Bell Air, CA

George Washington Faulkner House, Santa Paula, CA.

In the beginning it was somewhat difficult getting restoration jobs. The feeling was. "You are not qualified if you haven't done anything notable".

This began changing once we established a record of notable projects. Before this however, it was a catch 22. Now people look at our track record and tell us that "you are the guys to use". The conference was very well attended in comparison with past conferences. There were in excess of 640 participants. Among the businesses that set up booths were architects, structural engineers, cultural historians, photographers, book sellers, contractors, and various state and federal preservation organizations.

For the first couple of days we were dissapoi9nted by the small number ofpeople that actually came into the display hall. By the end of the second day however, it became obvious that the businesses in the booths were exactly the people we had to network with. The result was, by the end of the confernces, we had a well established network. Most of us considered the show to be successful. The cloeing Gala was a lot of fun with a very nice banquet at the Annenberg Beach House on the beach in Santa Monica. The Beach House is located alongside the Marriane Davies Estate which was built by William Randolph Hearst.

Art Glass at Woodbury University Fashion Show and Dinner

On May 1, 2011 we packed up 30 large art glass pieces and about 50 smaller pieces for the 36th annunal Woodbury University Fashion Show and Dinner. This year's event, as last year, was held at the Millenium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. I was approached a couple of months prior to the show about bringing glass for center pieces for the dinner. There were 30 tables.

After getting all my concerns addressed( guarantee, insurance, my donation to the University, etc.) we reached an agreement. In return for bringing the pieces and setting them up I would be donating 15% of all sales. The event was to provide dinner for two, and a guarantee in the event we did not sell enough to cover expenses. Members of the University picked many of the pieces to bring. Artists represented were Karen Ehart, Josh Simpson, Barry Entner, Tommie Rush, John McDonald, Charles Lotton, David Tsai, Rick Satava, Victor Chiarizia, Wes Hunting, Michael Nourot, Scott Bisson, Susan Gott, Donald Carlson, Jared Davis, Algerine Correia, Rick Strini, Richard Silver, Rollin Karg, Orient & Flume, John & Heather Fields, Kyle Gribskov, and more.

We packed up at 8:00 AM and arrived at the Hotel at 2:30 PM. The Biltmore is truly a grand hotel from Los Angeles' past. The first Academy Awards were held there. It has entertained Presidents, Kings, and many other dignitaries. It is kept up in incredible coindition. We finsihed setting up the tables by 4:30. Then we went to the room(provided by the University) to change for the fashion show and reception. At the reception we met Dr. Kenneth R. Nielsen, Ed.D.President of the University and his wife. The hoir d'vours were fantastic as were the beverages. The fashion show was very impressive. If you have never been to one I recommend it . Probably once is enough, unless you are in the business. After fashion show we returned to the ballroom for the dinner.Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time. Great food, especially desert. The entertainment were dancers from "Dancing With The Stars". Sold only a couple of items but that was OK. When you do promotional things like this you never know when the return will come.

We were fortunate that there was no breakage. Our return trip to Santa Monica was uneventful, and a very good night sleep awaited. All in all it was a tiring, but very good experience. The art glass made for magnificent table settings and we recieved many complements on the pieces. The artists received good representation, and we all had fun.

Leaded Glass Restoration at UCLA's Hershey Hall

 

 

A few months ago I was contacted about a new project at UCLA. Hershey Hall, the first on campus dormitory Circa 1931, was under going extensive seismic retrofitting and all the leaded glass windows and doors needed to be removed and restored. Although we have been working on the stained and leaded glass at UCLA for nearly 20 years I was not familiar with Hershey Hall. In all there about 28 doors, transoms and windows that need restoration. Over the years the leaded glass had been repaired with plastic, and colored glass. While most of the windows are not in need of total re leading they do require  glass and lead replacement and reputtying. They are all in very heavy steel frames. A burden to transport, especially the eight foot doors.

I will be publishing additional blogs as we proceed. However, the following pictures show some of the process in replacing glass and lead to date.. 
  These images show breaking out the old broken glass, setting up the lead to accept the replacement glass, and cutting and installing the new glass.
The door pictured was made with clear window glass, but others have obscure glass we will be matching. 
 
 

 

 

  
 
  
 


 
 

Leon Applebaum Glass Artist

 

                                                      
 

I have known Leon Applebaum for over 25years, and from the first time I noticed his work I became a fan.. You can not help but be fascinated with any of his pieces. Leon uses vibrant transparent colors cased in clear glass.  He creates paperweights, sculptures, perfume bottles,tables, vases,and bowls in all shapes and sizes.

Leon is one of those artists that does not like to stay fixed on one design for a long time. Even though he may have an extremely popular piece of work he retires it and goes on to another. He is constantly looking for the next form that will challenge his skills.

While I greatly appreciate his work ethic, and artistic sense it can be frustrating.  There are many Leon Applebaum fans that would love another one of his paperweights, sculptures, or large vases.  Some would like to add to there collection, or give them as gifts.  The limited series however, only adds to the mystic and value of Leon's work. If you see a piece of his you like you had better snatch it up because you may never see another again.

It is just this philosophy that pushes me to collect more of his pieces for my personal collection.

You can check out Leon's work at glass galleries throughout the United States and notably

 Adamm's Stained Glass & Gallery

 1426 4th St.

Santa Monica, CA 90401

866 764 6513