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Stained Glass Artist
Stained glass artists create designs for art objects made of glass, such as windows, bottles, bulbs, dishes and lampshades. They use both plate and window glass and scraps of safety glass from such items as windshields.

Stained glass artists study the shape of the window and integrate practical requirements with their knowledge of symbolic images and glass cutting. They make a full size working pattern and select and cut the glass according to the designed pattern. This can only occur once the cost has been estimated. The stained glass artist then assembles all the pieces and secures them in place. The glass is then stained or painted and fired in order to stabilize the colours. The stained glass artist then installs the completed window.

Satisfying Aspects
- making beautiful objects
- working artistically with your hands
- learning and finding new techniques
- utilising your talent and pleasing others
- being creative
- the possibility of becoming famous or at least respected and well-known

Demanding aspects
- having to earn money in other jobs, thus not spending as time as one would like on one's own artistic projects
- frustration with not achieving what one had envisaged
- having to do work that might satisfy a client but not necessarily your creative instincts
- hard work
- struggling financially, especially if working on your own

Requirements
- artistic and imaginative
- creative, but practically inclined
- patient, persevering, self-disciplined and self-motivated
- perceptive and ability to transform perceptions into a work of art
- good sense of form, design and colour
- dedicated to this artistic form of craft
- able to handle frustration, criticism and rejection
- willing to work hard
- manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination
- good knowledge of religious and other symbols
- able to visualize objects three-dimensionally

School Subjects
Minimum Grade 9
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course

Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.

Compulsory Subjects: Visual Arts for degree course
Recommended Subjects: Mechanical Technology

Training
In-service training can be provided by an experienced stained glass artist.

Certificate and short courses: There are various courses offered at colleges and specialized art colleges, such as a Certificate in Art.

Employer
- large workshops and studios
- certain factories
- churches
- self-employment, with own studio

Contact
Artslink.co.za      
Tel: 082 230 CALL
Tel: 082 230 2255
Fax: (011) 388-1045
E-mail: info@artslink.co.za
www.artslink.co.za

Artthrob Online magazine

www.artthrob.co.za