Design of the Month · May 2010
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"The Wright Choice"
On this commission my client wanted a colorful southwestern design to enhance their kitchen area. Having an adobe desert style home with Indian influences throughout, I decided that "The Wright Choice" would be right for them. I have always been interested by Frank Lloyd Wright's prairie style stained glass windows. Many people here in New Mexico are interested in southwest Indian culture and décor, so my client and I decided to use some of Wright's ideas along with some of my own. "The Wright Choice" faces west and the twelve 2" bevels allow the panel to give off a nice prism effect throughout the kitchen in the evening. The arrows in the center are similar to Wright's and to popular southwest Indian designs. The colors that were picked match the colors of the interior.
When I meet with my clients, I bring my laptop that has my portfolio and my Glass Eye 2000 program loaded on it. Decisions are easier for my clients to make because they are visually able to give me a better idea of what design, texture and color of glass they are interested in. They feel like they have become a major part of the creative process. I then take measurements and a decision is made on how the panel is to be mounted. At home I design the panel to the exact measurements. I return to my client's location and final decisions are made on glass and colors. I am able to change types of glass and colors on the spot for a final decision. I print them a final color copy, along with an invoice. They always know beforehand what design and colors they will be getting and are never disappointed when they get their final product.
At home I have a 36" Ioline plotter / cutter that accepts exported vectored format from Glass Eye 2000. For stained glass, I use the plotter to print out my base pattern and I use the vinyl cutter for the individual glass pieces. These cut vinyl patterns adhere better to the glass for cutting and wet grinding. They also remove easier than card stock. For etched and carved glass, I use different cutter blades and different thicknesses of resist for my patterns. Sandblasted lettering and logo projects are cut so precise that their clearances are within two thousandths of an inch. A plotter/cutter and Glass Eye 2000 are must-haves for the serious glass artist.
~ Ron Monty
About the artist
Ron has been doing stained glass work for 34 years. He started his creative journey by repairing stained glass panels for a local antique shop
and has expanded his interest over the years by learning etched, carved and fused glass.
His New Mexico commissions include the Indian Affairs Building, Isleta Resort and Casino, New Mexico State University, University of New Mexico, San Juan College,
United States Air Force, and numerous restaurants, businesses and homes. He is an Air Force veteran and a retired telephone employee after working on computers and programming for 31 years.
He enjoys special glass commissions, working with clients and the pleasure it gives them looking at the final product, knowing that they helped in the creative process.
He can be reached by email.
This pattern may be used to make one or more artworks for sale or personal enjoyment. This pattern may be printed for personal use only and may not be sold or given away in printed or electronic form.
Each month we feature a project designed using Glass Eye 2000. Do you have a project to share with the world? Contact Dragonfly Software and your creation might be our next Design of the Month.