Introduction

Years ago I wanted to repair and add leaded glass windows to my early 20th century home. Harmony between what existed in the home and what I was to create was the guiding principle. 

As I studied the building's existing features, I realized the home was full of original elements from the Arts and Crafts movement, and the Prairie School of design. These early 20th century artists and architects have had a profound influence on my development. Already quite drawn to not only the style but the ideals that inform their work, and being somewhat of a purist, I knew what I wanted. I just needed to figure out how to solve the technical problems in order to achieve it. This took a few years of study and I have come to refer to this period as my technical odyssey. 

Not all leaded and stained glass work is created equally. Anyone who attempts to build Prairie School era art glass panels, using period appropriate materials, quickly finds out what they are up against. There are no classes, very little information is available, the tools required need to be custom made, and materials are hard to find. Overcoming these challenges appealed to my fastidious nature.

Each piece can require from dozens of hours to weeks to complete. The materials and process I use today would be very similar to what the craftsmen of over a century ago utilized. 

I fell in love with the art. It is a craft of devotion and tradition which celebrates the hands that made it. Working with glass has allowed me to blend my creations with light, shadow, and space while exploring the balance between form and complexity, as well as void and substance, and most importantly prospect and refuge.

As I continue to develop on my journey in this craft other influences such as Japanese ukiyo-e, ranma, bonsai, and shoji, have lit my way. Art Nouveau artists and architecture have helped me observe the impact of a single curving line. The juxtaposition of natural forms with man made ones. Stability and solidity in harmony with soft and sensual energy. 

The glass I use is selected for its ability to remain dynamic as it transitions from transmitting to reflecting light with the changing light conditions over the course of the day, always offering something new. Incorporating recycled late 19th and early 20th century clear has always been a signature of my work as this glass has a vibrancy and life to it. Additionally it creates the impression that my work has always existed in a vintage home. 

In some of my work the angular came refines the lines of the piece with light and shadow while creating unique views from different perspectives. 

Art glass installed in a home can dramatically yet gently transform a room as well as the light that comes into it. Acting as a filter, a panel can gracefully merge the interior with the exterior views, or obscure and soften unsightly ones. Privacy can also be achieved without sacrificing daylight or the occupants views. 

Some of my favorite projects are those where I am engaged to replace simple, existing divided light panels with new decorative panels in pre-1930s homes. Sometimes these homes had decorative glass that had been removed decades ago. Adding back a lost element to a home or building is always a rewarding experience. 

The pieces I build can be used for interior or exterior applications, in cabinets, laylights, sashes, casements, doors, or simply hung in front of windows or displayed on walls.

Thank you for your interest. 

Matthew Smith

Landmark Society of Western New York Traditional Trades Award recipient 2021

Stained Glass Association of America Professional Member 2023