The Big Reveal

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It is weeks in the making. First the design is conceived, drawn and copied for a pattern to attach to the worktable. Glass is selected by color, texture, opacity… or sometimes simply availability and affordability. The glass is cut, ground and sized until each piece fits perfectly into the pattern. Individual pieces are wrapped with leading, lead joints soldered together, then putty is worked under the lead for stability and waterproofing. Cleaning is done in place with a bristle brush and whiting powder. Then, the wait.

The putty takes three days to set. Twice daily the artisan cleans off any putty that seeps  from beneath the lead. She notices where she applied too much solder. Or too little. She guiltily surveys a piece she had cut too small but used anyway, knowing she could fudge with lead or putty to hide the gap. She second-guesses her glass choices. Will the colors compliment or contrast as she intended? Will the nuances of the design come across as planned?

When the putty is set, it’s time. The artisan lifts the stained glass panel, wipes it clean and rests it gently on a windowsill. She backs away and for the first time gazes upon the completed work. The critical eye judges workmanship, mercilessly and exacting. The artistic eye must wait ‘til the critic quiets. And lastly, the cautious heart will weigh in on the worthiness of the piece. The verdict? We’ll have to wait and see.

patience takes patience
minutes take sixty seconds
waiting takes its time

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“Hammer Shattering Glass Shattering Hammer” stained glass panel by Maggie C.

dVerse Haibun Monday: Waiting

34 thoughts on “The Big Reveal”

  7. 😮 Oh my! I love everything about this. First we learn about the process, about all the roles you play in it, and we can’t wait to see the end product, and there it comes! Smack on the head!

    Honest, raw, exciting, exemplary and effective. Thank you!

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  8. I like very much your stages of assessment through different kinds of eyes…time does certainly change how we feel, think and assess our creations. Your stained glass piece with the hammer is quite striking (no pun intended) 🙂

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  15. I am late to get around reading the haibuns Maggie, but I really like what you’ve written! This was fascinating being taken theough the creation process. I am a mixed media artist working in fibers, so it was fun to hear about glass. And I like your creation! 🙂

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