Slim Guenaoui

Du Sable à la Lumière

Stained glass maker

©Hervé Schmoor

Through the light

Slim seeks to master the traditional method of stained glass
He is excited about the craft finding its role in the 21st century
His workshop accepts one off commissions as well as restorations

After a degree in ethnology, a training in psychology and ten years of professional experience, Slim Guenaoui abandoned his career to become a stained glass artist. The discovery that this age-old craft was still very much alive, was a real breakthrough – a passion that he decided to pursue. Slim has been running his own workshop since 2017. He specialises in the traditional lead stained glass technique, as well as the Tiffany method. He particularly likes to create links between yesterday and today, adapting traditional representations with contemporary figures. The connection between matter, spirit and light that stained-glass embodies is something that greatly inspires Slim.

Interview

©Hervé Schmoor

Why did you change your career to stained glass?: It is like some chance encounters. The alchemy works and you cannot get rid of it. Stained glass also symbolises for me the meeting of matter and spirit: it is rooted in sand (glass is made from silica sand) but is accomplished in light.
Can you tell us about a memorable moment in your craft career?: When my childhood friend and I installed the stained glass window of St Anne and St Mary in the Church of La Saucelle. The building was bathed in light. We had become two adults from a working-class district, installing a stained glass window in a Catholic church: it was as unusual as it was beautiful.
Could this craft be considered in danger?: I don't think so. We realise today the value of stained glass windows for our heritage. Many funds are raised for their restoration, but there is also a revival of this art and people are commissioning new works. Many individuals now wish to have a stained glass at home. Stained glass helps to make the soul of a place unique.
What do you like most about it?: I love the magic of the materials and all the possibilities they offer. Stained glass remains mostly traditional in its technique but offers infinite variations. It is a craft that fascinates, it has lulled the unconscious mind of humanity for more than 1,000 years.

Slim Guenaoui is a rising star: he began his career in 2016 and he started teaching in 2019