Gary Wilkinson - Stained Glass Artist

Gary Wilkinson has designed and produced hundreds of pieces of stained glass artwork, with styles ranging from Victorian and Tiffany to Abstract and Frank Lloyd Wright inspired panels in his career.

"I usually work on some aspect of stained glass every day. It's just what I prefer to do," says Gary, who has settled just south of Collingwood Ontario near the village of Nottawa with his wife where he works in his studio custom designing individual pieces for his many clients.

"Although the planning and design steps are of equal importance to the actual construction of a panel, I particularly enjoy working with the materials. As I progress through the various phases of cutting and grinding of the glass, leading or copper foiling the pieces, the artwork finally starts to take shape and I can see the final vision and product unfolding."

Trained as an artist, graphic designer and illustrator, Gary left the design world after enrolling in a three lesson stained glass program. He was immediately drawn to the medium. It was challenging, inspirational and the perfect outlet for his many design talents. That was 1997 and it has been Gary's passion and full time profession since that day. 

"It was my desire to maintain my artistic creativity and integrity that lead me to become solely a stained glass artist," says the Ontario College of Art graduate.

"I definitely appreciate the various disciplines of art. However, I am especially pleased to do my small part in contributing to the preservation of an art form that has been practiced and respected for years," says Gary as he leans over his work desk in his country studio. "In this age of technology, it's comforting to me to actually build something that will outlast myself, using many methods and applications that have existed for centuries."

As Gary works, he points out that a good stained or leaded glass panel should blend in with the home's space, design and colour. In an older home, the piece should look like it is part of the dwelling's history.

"I'm always pleased when a client thinks of the installed panel as a piece of art and not just an accessory to the home."

"Some people find window coverings such as blinds or shades bland and impersonal. A stained glass panel can add character to a room or entrance way and still provide a sense of security. Conversely, a panel designed appropriately can enhance a desired view, not detract from it. A home's architectural style and interior design can all dictate the type of panel that may be required."

There's a pause as he holds a plum-coloured section of glass to the light. "There is a huge range of textured glass from which I've been able to produce stained and leaded glass pieces, either as free-standing/hanging panels or installed in custom cabinetry."
 
When asked about stained-glass's place in a modern world, there's no hesitation.

"Stained glass will always be appreciated because of the knowledge that each piece is unique and because of the craftsmanship required. It maintains it's relevance because of it's functional as well as artistic nature."

Please feel free to contact Gary regarding any questions that you may have about custom stained glass work or repairs.