Leigh opens a window to a lost artform
“The wonderful thing about stained glass art, and creating it, is that it can be such a therapeutic experience."
Leigh Roberts was first introduced to stained glass art in America, where she saw many beautiful works of art during her stay. When she returned to South Africa she was shocked to find that while there are a few stained glass artists in Gauteng, none of them were willing to show Leigh the ways of stained glass. “I am a self-taught stained glass artist,” explained Leigh.
She has set out to teach the people in her community who are interested in stained glass art all about the lost art form. “I have my own style of stained glass artwork, different from the classic ways of stained glass art,” she said.
She has created a ‘glass-it-yourself’ box that contains pre-cut glass pieces, copper foil, solder, and an instruction manual for people who are not able to attend her class. The only thing they would need to get is their own soldering rod.
“I love this art form and want to share it with all those eager to learn,” Leigh said. She added that she is transparent in her art, and does not mind sharing her tips and tricks, suppliers and advice freely with those who share her passion. “I give workshops and classes to those who want to create their own design, who are beginners, or don’t have the tools to create their own pieces at home.
“The wonderful thing about stained glass art, and creating it, is that it can be such a therapeutic experience. You work on creating shapes out of the glass shards, putting on the tape and then soldering it with such focus that you give your mind a reprieve from the negative thoughts that might be plaguing you,” Leigh explained.
Where she creates her art also has a huge impact on the pieces she makes. Her workspace is in the garden where she stays, under the cover of greenery and away from the rumbling sounds of the city around her. People create art through channelling their pain into something physical. The wonder of stained glass art is found in the way it takes something that has been broken and mould it into something beautiful.
Follow her journey on TikTok @piscesglasstudio.
