In designing a window for any space, GLASS ALIVE studio takes into careful consideration, the dynamics of the architecture, the existing interior design i.e. the dominate style or motif in the venue, the colours and energy in the space, and most importantly, the audience, creating art within context. Each design produced in this studio is unique and personalized. GLASS ALIVE is a full service studio - designing with great care, fabricating with great skill, installing with expertise, the end result being a beautiful, artful window that enhances and continually inspires all who view it, for generations to come. The glass painting technique, in its purest tradition, is nearly the same as it was in 9th Century Germany. The first stage is the production of a drawing (cartoon), which is used as the template (pattern) for cutting the glass. The individual cut pieces of glass are then placed directly on top of the cartoon, and I paint (trace) the lining on the glass. This lining is fired in to the glass in a kiln. I then proceed with painting the remaining layers (washes) of paint. A metal oxide paint (powdered glass with a colour pigment added), is used to paint (“stain”) the glass. The paint is applied (a wash) and then begins the procedure of removing the paint which is not to be fired in to the glass, acquired by using a variety of brushes, needles, etc. To achieve adhesion to the glass, I mix the paint with clove oil for the lining and gum arabic and water for large washes. Each piece of glass is fired multiple times, usually after every paint application, especially when the goal is to achieve a three dimensional, life-like effect. When the glass is fired, the paint actually fuses to the glass, becoming a part of the glass, doing so at an average temperature of 1100ºF. When the painting process is complete, the pieces of glass are assembled, much like a puzzle. The glass is assembled using either lead came then soldered together to create a panel. The window is ready for installation at this point. Most of the free hanging pieces leaving this studio are supported/surrounded by a hand made iron or steel frame.