About Wanda
Stained glass in all forms is never static. From a young age I noticed over the course of a day it was animated by changing light. The patterns, colours and prisms changed as they wandered across the walls and floor as the sun shifted, inviting my rediscovery and thoughts to wander with it. As it did in yesteryear, it does today; it adds a little joy to my everyday when a stained glass piece captures my attention unexpectedly.
Historically stained glass was an important, meaningful and beautifying feature in the creation of churches and historic buildings. Today I'm so glad we can appreciate the joyful and soothing effects it casts in our own homes and places of work as well.
I have been creating with stained glass since 2000. My instruction was received from various studios in the Elora, Kitchener-Waterloo and Stratford areas of Ontario. I quickly determined the Louis Tiffany copper foil method of construction best suited me, as it allowed for detailed design, with definitive outlines for depth and optical clarity that nature themed designs require. My work is influenced by prismatic colour, how colour or lack of colour effects each of us through the beauty in the natural world. I am inspired by my wandering discovery of Canada's sweeping and incredibly beautiful landscapes and the deceptively delicate appearance of pollinators that work magic in my garden and beyond sustaining us all.
In 2005 I opened an indoor shop at the St. Jacobs Farmers Market where I made and sold pieces of art to people from around the world. My original designs in my leaf collection were particularly popular and were purchased by local, national and worldwide customers. During my market years I also taught stained glass for the City of Kitchener at their Downtown Community Centre between 2007-2012. During this time I continued to refine the quality of my skill and expanded original collections while developing my own artistic signature style.
In 2013 I closed my market shop to allow more creative and working time in my private home studio. This also enabled me to join the arts and crafts show circuit across Ontario. This shift and longevity in the arts world was achieved by my loyal customers who I am so grateful for and the unwavering support of my family and husband James.
2020 brought change to all and with it the need for me to create an online presence. During this time of reflection I recognized how much I missed the time I'd spent with others teaching and assisting them learn, develop skills and create with stained glass. I missed sharing in the joy of fellow creators and artisans of various experience levels learning something new, finishing a piece or improving a particular skill such a laying a smooth solder bead. While I have been asked countless times over the years if I teach in my home studio, I have sadly always had to say no as my available space does not allow for it. However, with my new venture into the online world, in addition to my online store where select smaller creations are available for purchase, in late 2021 I thought why not create an online community where we can create together as well! So, I am in the process of creating a series of video's starting with "The Joy of Creating with Stained Glass," which will guide you through the creation steps. What's best is that this initial video will be available for free - to add a little joy to your everyday! Then additional videos will become available where I will share with you one of my personal original designs for us to make together!
Whether through the online store, the upcoming video series or at a show, I am looking forward to seeing where this journey leads to next and connecting with you along the way!