Annelies Cosaert

Atelier Kozaar

Stained glass maker

©Atelier Kozaar

©Sander Raes

The art of not cutting corners

Annelies is always experimenting
She loves how stained glass tells stories with light
She has a background in graphic design and cultural heritage preservation

Annelies Cosaert has always been fascinated by stained glass. “With the use of light alone, it can tell different stories in dialogue with architecture, interior design, religion, mythology or history,” she says. Initially, Annelies pursued a career in cultural heritage preservation, for which she spent three years in Los Angeles. “A very satisfying job, but I felt my creative side becoming dormant. Before moving back to Belgium, I had a dream in which I was working with stained glass again. I felt free and whole, two parts of my brain collaborating, creating a peaceful mindset.” She made this dream come true and founded her own workshop, Atelier Kozaar, in Brussels. In this creative space, she is now constantly challenging herself. “I love to redefine the visual language of stained glass.”

Interview

©Atelier Kozaar

©Sander Raes

How can artisans achieve truly well made creations, according to you?: You can only produce something well made by not cutting corners in the creation process. By reaching a level of expertise that allows you to work at a good pace and with a minimum of waste. Well made is for me something separate to beauty.
How would you describe your style?: The only thing I am not, is a minimalist. I am influenced by historical styles such as Art Deco and Art Nouveau, but I am always experimenting, creating something new. I like natural shapes and semi-repetitive patterns from fauna, flora, stucco and building structures.
What do you love most about your profession?: There is something magical about creating something unique from scratch. I love how the work stimulates all my senses. The smells, sounds, vibrations and colours observed during a creation process all play a crucial role.
Has there been a moment of particular pride for you?: One day, a friend dropped one of my panels on the floor, from two metres high. It remained intact, apart from some pieces at the edge. My frustration about this accident quickly turned into pride because it proved that my panel was well made.

Annelies Cosaert is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2010