Drawing light in glass
- Peter achieves his stained glass' bold colours through the layering of colour
- His designs are rooted in drawing as a process
- Personal narratives manifest through the characters he depicts
Peter Young makes one-off stained glass pieces for buildings and exhibitions. He discovered the medium by chance while seeking work in London, eventually spending several years at the retail outlet for Goddard & Gibbs Studios. This immersive environment of light and colour sparked Peter's curiosity, and he began asking questions and experimenting with his own glass designs. Encouraged by customers to formalise his talent, he was accepted into the Central St. Martins glass course. "London's vibrant cultural scene helped me discover revolutionary art, experimental music and culture that shaped my artistic voice," Peter shares. Today, his work reflects a balance of tradition and a bold, expressive contemporary style.
Interview
- How do you achieve vibrant colours in your works?
- I work with glass comprised of two layers of colour, and apply acid etching techniques to achieve modulations of tone and texture. I also paint and fire the glass using earth coloured oxides. Essentially, the vibrant colour is in the glass itself.
- How much time does creating one piece take you?
- My stained glass making is very time-consuming. The process begins with researching and freehandedly drawing ideas. Then, I translate these ideas into designs that get developed into the glass through multiple processes. Each stage of a project is labour intensive and requires my full attention.
- What experiences have informed your style in glass?
- One that stands out is a trip to Chartres Cathedral. I managed to get access to scaffolding set up to clean the Adam and Eve window, which is very high up. Being close enough to see the surface of this ancient glass has stayed with me ever since.
- What inspires your imagery?
- Often, it is the lyrical dance of poetic language, and art and music throughout the ages. But mostly, I am inspired by the innate capacity, interconnectivity and exquisite beauty of the natural world.
Peter Young is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1987
Where
Peter Young
