The art of playing with stained glass
- Jonatan specialises in stained glass windows and sculptural glass kaleidoscopes
- He is self-taught in glassmaking
- He shapes his glass by hand, in the traditional way
A self-taught stained glass artist from the age of 14, Jonatan Díaz also benefited from his association with the renowned Flemish teacher Rudy Bellemans to learn this ancient craft. In 2000, shortly after his 18th birthday, he opened his first studio, Vitromar, to create stained glass windows inspired by classical and contemporary architecture, art and design. Jonatan later innovated with his sculptural glass kaleidoscopes under the name Reflektium, using the same coloured materials as for stained glass windows. In his kaleidoscopes he also applied parameters that mirror those used in space telescopes. One of his works, Anemone Ignis, was awarded the prize for the most singular work of craftsmanship of the year 2022 by the regional government of Andalusia. Visitors to Jonatan's workshop are not only struck by the modern appeal of his stained glass, but also experience a profound sense of infinity when looking into his unique kaleidoscopes.
Interview
- Did you learn your craft from a master?
- I worked with a great master of the Flemish School, Rudy Bellemans, with whom I had a good friendship and collaboration until his death in August 2021. He taught me the importance of doing unique things others do not do. Many workshops copy each other, duplicate works from inspirational books or designs from the internet, but if you do something different, it will be you that others follow.
- How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?
- I still cut glass by hand, as glassmakers did hundreds of years ago, and assemble everything piece by piece. I also use the best of modern technology. For example, I make a sketch on the computer and present it to the client as a photograph of the piece already installed in its final location, even though the house has not yet been built.
- How would you define the work you do?
- Those who visit my workshop are surprised by my modern designs, even architects and interior designers. When it comes to my sculptural glass kaleidoscopes, the difference with stained glass works in churches is even more striking. When people look at the images produced in my kaleidoscopes, their reactions are expressions of amazement and disbelief and sensations of depth and infinity.
- Could your craft be considered endangered?
- There is no doubt about it. Fewer people are interested in learning the craft and reaching the level required to dedicate themselves to it, or to run a workshop with all that it entails. Some colleagues complain that they have to close their workshops because of a lack of work or because they think they are out of fashion, but I believe it is about staying relevant. We have to offer unique and original designs. Artistic styles evolve and we cannot stay in our comfort zone.
Jonatan Díaz is a master artisan: he began his career in 1997 and he started teaching in 2006
Where
Jonatan Díaz
