Today we’d like to introduce you to Donna Flanagan.
Hi Donna, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As far back as I can remember I have been passionate about arts and crafts. As a child I explored many creative outlets including drawing, sewing, crochet and cake decorating.
My father retired when I was fourteen years old. He began the hobby of stained glass in hopes it would evolve into a business. He was not working with glass long before he became inundated with orders. I was drafted as a worker bee and quickly became his stained glass copper foiler. This technique is inspired by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Each piece of glass is hand wrapped in adhesive backed copper foil, burnished to the glass thus allowing each piece to be soldered together. I actually didn’t mind as I found it to be quite relaxing. I remember at the time, my favorite pieces he made were a stained glass dove and a 3D nativity set. I honestly don’t remember how long he was involved with stained glass. I just remember one day he said ”That’s it, NO more orders – I’m done”! Looking back, the orders were non stop and he was working 8-12 hour days in a cold garage in New York.
Many years later, year after year, he would ask “What would you like for Christmas?” My answer remained steady – a stained glass nativity set. He let me know what a pest I was but my persistence eventually paid off. One Christmas I received a beautiful 3D stained glass nativity set. Then on my next birthday, I received a beautiful stained glass dove that I admired for years! My father’s passion for making stained glass returned because it was all on his terms!
Shortly after, I started developing an interest in learning the art of stained glass. I live close to St. Augustine and I love to go in and out of the local churches and art galleries, always appreciating the stained glass.
One day I asked my father if he would teach me how to cut and solder glass. He was happy to share his wisdom about stained glass and we set up what was to be my first lesson on my next day off from work. My next day off was greeted with excitement but sadly, that very day, my father was involved in a tragic car accident. While he was not able to give me any lessons, I let him know I’d be keeping the love for stained glass going in our family. A few months later I took a stained glass class with my husband and daughter.
Due to my hectic work schedule I was unable to regularly attend classes so I began utilizing Youtube tutorials, stained glass books, and FB stained glass groups for help when needed. I was left to practice and hone my skills on my days off. As a result, my family and friends were receiving stained glass gifts. They were as mesmerized as I was with the vibrant glass colors that glistened and danced across the room!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I would like to say it has been smooth sailing however navigating the ebbs and flows of life can be difficult, but change is constant.
My husband was my biggest cheerleader and supporter! He also played an integral role in quality control and marketing. Sadly my husband passed away last summer ( eight short months after my mother). At that time I didn’t think I could continue with my stained glass work. For weeks the door to my glass studio remained closed.
I do believe it was my husband who pushed me back into my glass studio. Shortly after, I was led into my studio making cardinals, which was my husband’s favorite bird! I was creating cardinal after cardinal… and eventually I created a cardinal panel in my husband’s memory. It was donated to my husband’s church. I realized my passion returned and working on glass brought me calmness, peace and joy during a difficult time.
Currently my biggest challenge has been establishing myself with an online presence where content creation plays a big role. I am not tech savvy, technology and content creation is always evolving.
As an artist wanting a strong social media presence, you must be able and willing to dedicate time to taking pictures, filming, posting, and editing multiple times a day. For me I’m more interested and passionate about utilizing my time to create new glass pieces in hopes that my work will speak for itself!
The interest for a stained glass class has been huge which presents another challenge. Currently I’m not set up for this but I’m looking into various ways to try and accomplish this in the future..
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I create stained glass art utilizing the Tiffany method of copper foil technique.
I am inspired by nature and the beauty that surrounds me living along the Northeast coast of Florida.
My appreciation for the beach, marine life, birds, butterflies and gardens lend to a true coastal perspective.
Some of my pieces have gained the attention of teens and young adults, specifically the beach and marine life pieces.
They are intrigued and often ask questions. It is extremely heartwarming to bring true interest to a beautiful and timeless art.
I would describe my work as vibrant in color with a playful whimsical charm.
My most requested piece is a stained glass cardinal, always made in a striking rich red glass. Cardinal’s are beautiful birds known to have a symbolic meaning!
The piece I’m most proud of is my “Angel” panel. At the time it was the largest piece I had made and it was made with my daughter in mind. I love the hair and all the movement in it. The beauty in this piece captures her very essence of a loving daughter, mother, wife and best friend!
A recent trip to Italy piqued my interest and I’ve begun experimenting with mosaics.
My granddaughter, one of my biggest cheerleaders, has recently expressed interest in making stained glass. I look forward to the day she is old enough so I can start teaching her.
I like to stay busy and productive. Each piece is made with attention to detail and patience is key. It takes time to create even small stained glass pieces. There are many steps involved including designing or searching for a pattern, hand cutting the glass, grinding each piece, tacking and soldering, applying patina, several stages of cleaning each piece during creation, framing and finally polishing.
Once the piece is completed and held up to the light, it makes it all worthwhile!
I accept custom orders throughout the year, however, in the fall months I mostly allow time for my own creativity. It is during this time I am usually preparing for fall festivals.
I am grounded in a family legacy of making stained glass, every piece is meticulously handcrafted in my home studio.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flanagansfineststainedglass
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19vHmoLm9S/
