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Any concord around words such as skill or handmade quickly prompts us with the word ‘craft’. But the true definition of craft lies simply in understanding things that are in the process of making, the making of any objects, things, artifacts, cities, and understanding the true meaning behind its creation, the process, the story, the belonging of a place.

What role do crafts play in architecture – RTF | Rethinking The Future (re-thinkingthefuture.com)

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What role do crafts play in architecture – RTF | Rethinking The Future

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really helpful for owners who are looking to maximize their property

contains regular necessities you would see in a house

provides affordable housing if family wants to stay close to home, but independently

could also be used for rental houses if you're looking to make income

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basically, a small home built in the back of your property! or accessory dwelling units (ADU)

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it involves making an object by hand useful.

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stained glass, in the arts, the coloured glass used for making decorative windows and other objects through which light passes. Strictly speaking, all coloured glass is “stained,” or coloured by the addition of various metallic oxides while it is in a molten state.

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stained glass, in the arts, the coloured glass used for making decorative windows and other objects through which light passes. Strictly speaking, all coloured glass is "stained," or coloured by the addition of various metallic oxides while it is in a molten state. Nevertheless, the term stained glass has come to refer primarily to the glass employed in making ornamental or pictorial windows. The singular colour harmonies of the stained-glass window are less due to any special glass-colouring technique itself than to the exploitation of certain properties of transmitted light and the light-adaptive behaviour of human vision. Rarely equalled and never surpassed, the great stained-glass windows of the 12th and early 13th centuries actually predate significant technical advances in the glassmaker's craft by more than half a century. And much as these advances undoubtedly contributed to the delicacy and refinement of the stained glass of the later Middle Ages, not only were they unable to arrest the decline of the art, but they may rather have hastened it to the extent that they tempted the stained-glass artist to vie with the fresco and easel painter in the naturalistic rendition of their subjects.

Neither painting on stained glass nor its assembly with grooved strips of leading is an indispensable feature of the art. Indeed, the leaded window may well have been preceded by windows employing wooden or other forms of assembly such as the cement tracery that has long been traditional in Islamic architecture, and the single most important technical innovation in 20th-century stained glass, slab glass and concrete, was a variation on the earlier masonry technique.

Elements and principles of design

Of all the painter's arts, stained glass is probably the most intractable. It is bound not only by the many light-modulating factors that affect its appearance but also by comparatively cumbersome, purely structural demands. And yet no other art seems so little earthbound, so alive, so intrinsically beguiling in its effect. This is because stained glass, far more directly and intensively than other media, exploits the interaction between two highly dynamic phenomena, the one physical and the other organic. The physical factor is light and all of the myriad changes in the general light level and the location and intensity of particular light sources that occur as a matter of course not only from moment to moment but from place to place-a prairie to a forest, a greenhouse to a dungeon. The other phenomenon is the spontaneous light-adaptive process of vision, which seeks to maintain orientation in all luminous environments.

Architecture, by determining the apparent brightness value of the light seen through its window openings, always establishes a definite scale of brightness values with which the stained-glass artist must work. Because the light that penetrated the interior of the 12th- and early 13th-century church took on a brilliance, even harshness, in contrast to the surrounding darkness, the artisans of the period logically composed their windows with a palette of deep, rich colours. When for doctrinal or economic reasons only clear glass could be used, it was decorated with a fine opaque mesh of grisaille, or monochromatically painted ornament, that effectively broke up and softened the light. Later, as the walls of the churches were opened up to admit more and more light, the difference between the interior and exterior light levels was no longer great enough to illuminate the dense, saturated rubies and blues of the earlier period. In the 14th and 15th centuries, generally higher keyed, drier, and more muted colour harmonies were developed. This reflected a growing preference for lighter, less awesome effects and an actual limitation that the architecture of the time imposed upon the medium of stained glass.

The static elements of the glass and its architectural setting are modified by the element of change inherent in natural light. A seemingly endless spectrum of changes in the appearance of stained glass is a result of the changes in the intensity, disposition, atmospheric diffusion, and colour of natural daylight. The luminous life of stained glass, therefore, can best be observed by watching the organic effect of light on the window through the course of a day. If one were to enter Chartres Cathedral just after sunrise on the morning of a clear day, it would be to the east windows, especially those in the clerestory, that one's eyes would first be drawn. They alone will have come fully to life, and all of the others will still seem to half-exist in a kind of hushed twilight. Gradually, as the sun rises in the sky, these windows will become more luminous. Then the east windows will begin to lose their earlier brilliance to those all along the south flank of the cathedral, which by midday will be fairly aglow from the direct rays of the sun. The light streaming through the south windows, however, will have raised the light level inside the north windows opposite them sufficiently to create a distinct, though by no means unpleasant, muting of the radiance of the latter. If the sun at this point disappears behind a cloud and the sky becomes generally overcast, the appearance of all of the windows is immediately and dramatically altered. Because the light, now diffused, comes more or less equally from all directions, the south windows will lose some of their earlier brilliance and vivacity and the north windows will recover theirs. The overall atmosphere of the cathedral is distinctly cooler and graver in its effect, and more than ever before one begins to become aware of absolute differences in the tonality of the various windows themselves. The grisaille windows in the east end of the cathedral, the highly keyed 15th-century window in the Vendôme Chapel in the south aisle of the nave, and the three 12th-century windows over the great west portal all stand out as being substantially more luminous than the rest. If, late in the afternoon, the sun reappears, the viewer is treated to an extraordinary spectacle as the blues in the west windows, by far the most intense in the cathedral, are further emblazoned by the direct rays of the sun. Should the main doors of the cathedral be opened, the direct rays of the late afternoon sun, streaming halfway down the nave of the cathedral, will cast a blinding pall over all the windows within their vicinity until the doors are closed once more. Then as the sky begins to redden with the setting sun, the intense 12th-century blues in the west windows lose their former intensity, and the warmer colours, especially the rubies, become so fiery and assertive that they seem almost to have displaced the blues as the predominant colour in the windows. Finally, when the sun is gone the whole cathedral is plunged once more into a deep twilight, which gradually diminishes until there is no light at all.

Insofar as stained glass may be considered an art of painting, it must be considered an art of painting with light. Whatever techniques or materials it may employ, its own most unique and indispensable effects are always the product of colouring, refracting, obscuring, and fragmenting light.

Materials and techniques

Contrary to popular belief, the glassmaker and the stained-glass artist could seldom have been the same person even in the earliest times; in fact, the two arts were rarely practiced at the same location. The glassmaking works was most readily set up at the edge of a forest, where the tremendous quantities of firewood, ash, and sand that were necessary for the making of glass could be found, whereas the stained-glass-window-making studios were normally set up near the major building sites. The stained-glass artist, thus, has always been dependent upon the glassmaker for his primary material. Coloured with metallic oxides while in a molten state-copper for ruby, cobalt for blue, manganese for purple, antimony for yellow, iron for green-sheets of medieval glass were produced by blowing a bubble of glass, manipulating it into a tubular shape, cutting away the ends to form a cylinder, slitting the cylinder lengthwise down one side, and flattening it into a sheet while the glass was still red hot and in a pliable state. It was then allowed to cool very slowly in a kiln so that it would be properly annealed and not too difficult to cut up into whatever shapes might be required for the design. Since these sheets of glass, with the exception of a type known as flashed glass, were intrinsically coloured with one basic colour throughout, changes from one colour to another in the design of a window could be effected only by introducing separate pieces of glass in each of the requisite colours.

Whether by accident or by deliberate intent, the glass made in the 12th and 13th centuries had almost the ideal combination of crudity and refinement for stained glass. The sheets, 10 by 12 inches (25 by 30 centimetres) in size, were both flat enough and thin enough to be cut very accurately into the necessary shapes, yet still variable enough in thickness (from less than inch [3 millimetres] to as much as inch [8 millimetres]) to have rich transitions in the depth of their colours. With the progress of glass technology in the Middle Ages and Renaissance came the ability to produce larger, thinner, and flatter sheets of glass in a considerably larger range of colours than had been possible in the 13th century. At each distinguishable stage in this development, however, the glass became less visually interesting as an aesthetic element in its own right. The Gothic Revivalists later recognized this effect, and in the mid-19th century they initiated a return to the earlier methods of producing glass. They developed the so-called "antique" glass, which is remarkably similar in colour, texture, and shading to the glass that was used in the 12th- and 13th-century windows. "Antique" glass remains the basic material used in stained-glass windows to this day.

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stained glass | Definition, History, Techniques, & Facts

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Stained glass, in the arts, the colored glass used for making decorative windows and other objects through which light passes. Strictly speaking, all colored glass is 'stained,' or colored by the addition of metallic oxides. However, the term usually refers to the glass featured in ornamental or pictorial windows.

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outdoor stained glass piece idea for garden

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outdoor stained glass piece idea for garden

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what is stained glass? and how's it put together?

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what is stained glass? and how's it put together?

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Stained glass is a type of window panes made from colored glass. The glasses are cut into small pieces and then arranged into a design. The final product is held together by a lead or metal framework. Stained glass can be clear or opaque, and the colors can be very bright or more subdued.

The glass is usually cut into small pieces and then assembled into a larger panel. The panel is then placed in a window, allowing light to shine through and create a stunning effect. Not only does stained glass art add visual interest to a space, but it can also be used to tell a story or convey a message.

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Stained glass has been a celebrated form of artistry for centuries. From churches to homes and museums, stained-glass windows draw the eye in with their kaleidoscope of colors and intricate designs. However, beyond their stunning beauty, these works of art hold deep symbolism that speaks to their viewers in profound ways.

At their simplest form, stained-glass windows serve as a visual representation of biblical stories and religious themes. Each color, shape, and image holds its own significance and message. The use of color, in particular, is instrumental in conveying the intended emotion or message of the piece. From the fiery reds of passion to the calming blues of tranquility, these hues are expertly woven together to tell a story, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impression.

But the symbolism behind stained glass goes beyond religious themes. Some of the most famous stained-glass works in history have been designed to convey political, historical, and cultural messages. The use of symbols and images in a piece can convey emotions or themes that connect with different groups of people. From the windows in the Sistine Chapel to the Tiffany lamps that adorned homes in the early 1900s, stained glass has a rich history and meaning that has captured the imagination of artisans and viewers alike.

Origin and History of Stained Glass

Stained glass has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Some of the earliest examples of stained glass can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Romans. However, it was during the Middle Ages that stained glass really began to flourish.

The origins of stained glass can be traced back to the rise of Christianity in Europe. Churches and cathedrals were being built throughout the continent, and stained glass windows quickly became a popular way to decorate these grand structures. These windows were not only beautiful but also served a practical purpose of telling Biblical stories to the largely illiterate population.

Stained glass production reached its peak during the Gothic era in the 12th and 13th centuries. Gothic architecture was characterized by tall and narrow buildings with high ceilings and pointed arches. These buildings provided the perfect canvas for stained glass windows, allowing sunlight to filter through the intricate designs and colors to create a mesmerizing effect.

The art of stained glass has continued to evolve in modern times, with artists experimenting with new techniques and materials. While it was once confined to religious buildings, stained glass is now used in a wide variety of settings, from commercial buildings to private residences.

As a symbol, stained glass represents beauty and spirituality. The intricate designs and bright colors are a testament to the creativity and skill of the artists who create them, while the images and stories depicted in the glass serve as a reminder of the importance of faith and religion in our lives.

Characteristics of Stained Glass

Stained glass is a unique form of art that has been used for centuries to add beauty and meaning to religious structures, as well as secular buildings. This beautiful art form is made up of intricately designed pieces of colored glass that are joined together with lead and framed in iron bars. Stained glass windows are known for their characteristic use of light, color, and imagery to convey a message or tell a story.

Symbols in Stained Glass

Techniques in Stained Glass

Stained glass makers use a variety of techniques to create their masterpieces. One common method is the traditional leaded technique, which involves fitting small pieces of glass together with lead came to create a design. Another technique is called copper foil method, which uses adhesive copper foil to hold the pieces of glass together.

In addition, artists use a range of tools to cut and shape the glass pieces, including glass cutters, grinders, and soldering irons. This requires a high level of skill and precision, as well as an eye for detail and design.

Examples of Stained Glass

Stained glass can be found in a variety of settings, from churches and cathedrals to homes and public buildings. Some of the most famous examples of stained glass include the windows of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, the stained glass ceilings of the Palace of Versailles in France, and the stunning works of Louis Comfort Tiffany.

The Four Seasons

Alphonse Mucha

Prague, Czech Republic

The Rose Window

Unknown

Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris

Tiffany Windows

Louis Comfort Tiffany

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City

Whether you are admiring a historic cathedral or a modern home with stained glass windows, this art form continues to captivate and inspire. Through its use of color, light, and storytelling, stained glass adds a unique and beautiful element to any space.

Religious Symbolism in Stained Glass

Stained glass windows have been a staple of Christian churches for centuries, and they have come to symbolize many important religious concepts and beliefs. From the figures depicted in the glass to the colors and shapes used, every element of a stained glass window has a deeper meaning that can help people connect with their faith.

In this article, we will explore some of the religious symbolism behind stained glass windows, including the significance of different numbers, shapes, and colors.

The Number Three

Stained glass windows featuring the number three can encourage viewers to contemplate the concept of the Holy Trinity, and to reflect on the idea that God is present in many different forms.

Additionally, the use of the number three can inspire worshipers to embrace the interconnectedness of all things and seek out the many ways in which they can connect with God in their everyday lives.

Triangle

Represents the Holy Trinity and the interconnectedness of all things through the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Three-lobed shape

Emphasizes the importance of the number three in Christianity and encourages viewers to reflect on the idea of the Holy Trinity.

Overall, the use of the number three in stained glass can be a powerful way to promote contemplation, reflection, and connection with God.

Secular Symbolism in Stained Glass: The Number 4

Stained glass windows are not only a work of art but also a source of symbolism. One of the most common secular symbols found in stained glass windows is the number 4.

The number 4 is symbolic in many cultures and religions. In Christianity, it represents the four gospels and the four corners of the earth. In Eastern religions like Hinduism, it represents the four stages of life and the four directions. In Native American cultures, it represents the four seasons and the four elements.

Additionally, the number 4 can represent stability and order. In stained glass windows, it can be used to create a sense of balance and harmony. The four quadrants can also represent the four cardinal directions, which give a sense of direction and orientation.

In conclusion, the number 4 is a common secular symbol found in stained glass windows. It can represent different elements and concepts depending on the culture or religion it is associated with. In stained glass, it is often depicted as four quadrants, which can contain different symbols or be colored differently to represent different things. The number 4 can also create a sense of balance and harmony in a stained glass design.

Importance of Color in Stained Glass

Stained glass is more than just a beautiful decoration in a church or home. Each piece has a unique meaning and is rich with symbolism that can tell stories about history, religion, and culture. One of the most important aspects of stained glass is its use of color to convey these messages. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the significance of color in stained glass and explore the different meanings behind each hue.

The Color Red: This color is often associated with passion, love, and sacrifice. It is commonly used to depict the blood of Christ and represents His ability to redeem and save humanity.

The Color Blue: Blue is associated with heaven and the divine. It symbolizes purity, peace, and the presence of God. In many stained glass windows, blue is used to depict the robes of angels and saints.

The Color Green: This color is often used to represent life, growth, and resurrection. It is commonly found in depictions of the Garden of Eden and other narratives that involve new beginnings.

The use of color in stained glass has deep roots in religious and cultural iconography. Each hue has a specific purpose and meaning that can be traced back to ancient traditions. Understanding the significance of color in stained glass can help us appreciate the intricate beauty of each piece and the symbolism that is embedded within it.

When looking at a stained glass window, it's essential to consider the overall composition and the way in which the colors interact with one another. The varying shades and tones can create dynamic contrasts and produce a visual display that is both stunning and meaningful.

Ultimately, the importance of color in stained glass lies in its ability to convey complex concepts and narratives through visual means. As we continue to appreciate the beauty and value of this art form, we can gain a deeper understanding of the people and cultures who created it.

Techniques Used in Making Stained Glass

Stained glass is a beautiful work of art that has been admired by many for centuries. Making stained glass is a very intricate and technical process that requires a lot of skill and patience. Below are some of the techniques used in making stained glass:

One of the most important techniques in making stained glass is the use of lead came. Lead came is a thin strip of metal that is used to hold the individual pieces of glass together. The lead came is cut into the right lengths and shaped to fit the design. Then, the came is heated and bent to the right shape.

The number 6 technique to consider in making stained glass is soldering. Once the came is bent and fitted into the design, the next step is soldering. Soldering is done by heating a metal alloy, usually made up of tin and lead, until it melts. Then, it is applied to the joints between the pieces of lead came to hold them together. Soldering is a very delicate process and requires a lot of skill to do it perfectly.

Once the lead came has been soldered together, the final step is to clean the stained glass. A mild detergent solution is usually used to clean the glass to remove any dirt, flux or solder residue that may cause damage to the stained glass.

In conclusion, making stained glass is a very intricate and technical process that requires a lot of skill and patience. The techniques used in making stained glass, particularly soldering, are important to ensure that the finished product is strong, durable and beautiful.

Famous Stained Glass Creations and Their Symbolism

Stained glass has been used for centuries to tell stories and convey powerful messages. Throughout history, various famous stained glass creations have used color, images, and symbolism to communicate a range of meaning and emotions to those who view them. One commonly used element in stained glass design is the use of numbers, particularly the number seven.

The number seven has been used in a range of religious and cultural contexts as a symbol of perfection, completeness, and holiness. In stained glass design, the number seven is often used to represent the seven days of creation from the book of Genesis or the seven deadly sins from Christian theology. Seven is also a significant number in many other cultures, such as Japanese Buddhism, where it is called the "Seven Fortunes of Good Luck."

As you can see, the number seven has been a powerful symbol in stained glass design throughout history. Its use can convey a range of emotions and meanings, from the sacred to the mundane, depending on the context and intent of the artist. Whether used to represent the seven days of creation or the seven deadly sins, the number seven remains a significant and enduring part of stained glass tradition.

Stained Glass in Architecture

Stained glass has been a prevalent feature of architecture for centuries, adorning both religious and secular buildings. It has been used to tell stories, depict religious figures, and decorate buildings. Stained glass windows can be found in homes, museums, churches, and government buildings. Each stained glass window has its unique symbolism and meaning.

Symbolism of Number 8 in Stained Glass

The number 8 holds great significance in religious and spiritual traditions. In stained glass, the number 8 is often associated with the resurrection and new beginnings. In Christianity, the number eight represents regeneration or rebirth because Christ was resurrected on the eighth day after his birth.

In conclusion, the number eight holds a special meaning in stained glass windows. It represents rebirth, new beginnings, and spiritual growth. Whether it is found in the form of an eight-pointed star, an octagon, or eight circles, petals or branches, the number eight is a powerful symbol that can bring balance and harmony to any stained glass window.

Stained Glass as Art

Stained glass has been an artistic medium for centuries, and its symbolism has evolved with various cultures and religions. The use of stained glass in churches particularly reflects the Christian belief in the story of creation, salvation, and the ultimate triumph over wickedness. However, stained glass as an art form goes beyond religion, with artists using it to express their creativity and ideas.

The Symbolism of Number 9 in Stained Glass

The number 9 is significant in many religious and cultural beliefs, and its use in stained glass symbolism reflects these meanings.

In Christianity, the number 9 represents the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

In Hinduism, the number 9 represents the navagrahas, or nine planets, that govern human characteristics and situations.

In Chinese culture, the number 9 is believed to be a lucky number, symbolizing longevity and good luck.

In Norse mythology, Odin hung on the world tree, Yggdrasil, for nine days and nine nights to obtain wisdom and mastery over runes.

In stained glass, the number 9 may be represented as nine colors, nine sections in a window, or nine objects in a panel. The use of the number 9 in the design of stained glass art can add significance and depth to the overall meaning and message of the artwork.

Conservation and Restoration of Stained Glass

Stained glass windows can last for many centuries, but over time they can become damaged or discolored. Conservators and restorers work to preserve these treasures of art and history for future generations.

One key component of conservation and restoration is documentation. Conservators and restorers carefully document every aspect of the stained glass, including the condition of each piece of glass, the lead work, and the design elements. This information can be used for future conservation efforts, and helps to ensure that the stained glass remains true to its original form.

For those interested in learning more about stained glass conservation and restoration, there are many resources available, including professional associations and educational programs. By supporting these efforts, we can help to ensure that these beautiful works of art continue to inspire and awe us for generations to come.

Conservation and Restoration Techniques

Description

Protective Glazing

A layer of protective glass or plastic is installed over the stained glass to reduce exposure to the elements.

Re-leading

The lead strips holding the glass panes together are replaced when the original lead weakens or becomes damaged.

Piecing in

Broken pieces of glass are removed and replaced with new pieces that match the original design.

Painting

Details of the original design that have been lost or damaged can be restored through painting on the surface of the glass.

Conservation and restoration can be expensive and time-consuming, but the investment is well worth it to ensure that these magnificent pieces of art and history are preserved for future generations.

What does stained glass symbolize?

Q: What is stained glass?
A: Stained glass is a type of art that uses colored glass to create beautiful designs. It is commonly used in windows, doors, and other decorative pieces.

Q: What does stained glass symbolize?
A: Stained glass can symbolize many things, including religious and spiritual beliefs, historical events, and personal values.

Q: What are some religious symbols commonly found in stained glass?
A: Stained glass is often used to depict religious figures, such as Jesus, Mary, and the saints. Symbols like the cross, the dove, and the fish are also common.

Q: What historical events are often symbolized in stained glass?
A: Stained glass has been used to commemorate important historical events, such as wars, battles, and other significant moments in history.

Q: What personal values can be represented in stained glass?
A: Stained glass can be used to express personal values, such as love, hope, and faith. It can also be used to represent significant people or moments in a person's life.

Q: How is stained glass made?
A: Stained glass is made by cutting colored glass into pieces and then assembling them using lead strips or copper foil. The design is then soldered together to create the final piece.

Q: Where can I find stained glass?
A: Stained glass can be found in many places, including churches, museums, and homes. It is also commonly used in public buildings and commercial spaces.

Thanks for reading!

We hope this article has helped you understand the beautiful art form of stained glass and what it can symbolize. If you're interested in seeing stained glass in person, we encourage you to visit a local church or museum. Don't forget to check back for more interesting articles on art and culture!

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What Does Stained Glass Symbolize? Exploring The Meaning Behind This Ancient Art Form - Edenbengals.com

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Discover the symbolism behind stained glass windows, as they showcase religious stories and convey spiritual messages. Learn about the different colors, shapes, and patterns used in stained glass design, and how they represent deeper meanings.