In 2008, I began to explore natural patterns found in rock formations as well as agate stones.  My interest in these kind of patterns was sparked following a trip to the Grand Canyon.  Seeing the various bands of colors alternating, bending and running through the canyon walls was intriguing.  When I returned home, I saw my collection of agate stones in a whole new light.  In each stone, I could see a whole new world.

The above mosaic “Agate Landscape” emerged from one of my agates. Both of the pieces below were also inspired by stones I had. I felt that both were tiny, dream like worlds hidden in an agate slice that I could hold and admire in the palm of my hand.

Studying the stones is what helped me develop my own voice in the stained glass medium.  I’ve only been working with glass for about a year at this point and was interested in focusing on expanding my pattern vocabulary while perfecting my technique.  Take a look below at one of my agate slices next to the artwork that it was the inspiration for.

As I was creating more pieces inspired by agates, I saw more and more possibilities with the few patterns I studied.  I began to turn them around, flip them, try new colors – one mosaic would morph into another and so on.

I further investigated the patterns I was drawn to by choosing a section of an agate to create one part of a mosaic.  Then I would use my imagination to create two side section for the inner piece to spill over into.  I also experimented with etching the glass and the effect I got felt very earthy and stone like.

I love the “Agate Triptych” before and after the etching effect.  It was such a tiny piece that I decided to create a larger version of it minus the etching.  Seeing the difference between two such similar pieces was pretty fun.