Coloured Glass – NE
March 2025
Experimenting with glass reflections and colours
Amazing what a camera can do when you hand it to your daughter, give her some coloured glasses and see what she comes up with for her Art project.
Glass is a remarkable material, renowned not only for its utilitarian properties but also for its aesthetic potential. When light interacts with glass, it can be refracted, transmitted, or reflected, creating mesmerising visual effects. The way glass bends and transforms light leads to stunning reflections that can alter the perception of space and color. This interplay is particularly prominent in coloured glass, where the inherent hues add depth and vibrancy. The reflection of coloured glass can create a captivating array of colours and patterns, often enchanting viewers with its dynamic interplay.
The production of coloured glass involves a meticulous process that combines raw materials such as silica sand, soda ash, and limestone with metal oxides that impart colour. For example, adding cobalt oxide produces a deep blue hue, while iron oxide may yield greens or browns. The glass is melted at high temperatures in a furnace before being shaped and cooled in a controlled manner to maintain clarity and structural integrity. This intricate process allows artisans and manufacturers to create a wide variety of coloured glass products, from stained glass windows and decorative vases to everyday items like dishware.
In decorative arts, coloured glass shapes environments by reflecting and refracting light, adding layers of complexity to interior design. Light filtering through stained glass not only creates a kaleidoscope of colours on surrounding surfaces but can also evoke emotional responses, reminiscent of historical and spiritual significance. Whether used in a church, home, or art installation, coloured glass reflects beauty and craftsmanship, demonstrating how a simple material can transform the ambiance of a space while playing with light in an enchanting manner.
