4 minute read
Exact fit: Lane relies on math, patience to create stained-glass artworks
This winter scene is an example of the kind of stained-glass art Gail Lane creates at her home studio. Photo courtesy Gail Lane
Retired math teacher makes own stained-glass pieces, teaches others how
By Anna Goodwin McCarthy - Correspondent
When Gail Lane was a little girl she would look at the beautiful stained-glass windows at her church in awe.
Now it’s others who are awestruck by Lane’s stainedglass pieces.
Lane said she started working with stained glass after taking a continuing education course on the art at College of The Albemarle 30 years ago.
Lane was a teacher at the time, so she only had minimal time to spend working as a stained-glass artist. Most of her pieces were gifts for her family and friends.
But after retiring from a 35-year career in education in 2004, Lane began to devote more time to stained glass, honing her skills as an artist.
Lane first started making stained glass in her garage, but she now uses a much larger space. She said her husband converted the attic room in their home into a studio for her.
“I can spend all day up here,” said Lane. “This is my happy place.”
Besides continuing to make her own art, Lane now offers courses in stained-glass art. She says she can work with up to seven students in the studio space. The classes meet on Saturdays at her home, and Lane often does not charge for them. The former teacher loves sharing her passion for stained glass with others. “I love my Saturday afternoon classes,” said Lane. “We have such a good time.” Lane earned a bachelor’s degree in primary education and a master’s degree in intermediate education from East Carolina University. Some of her honors include: North Carolina state finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Elementary Mathematics Teaching two years in a row; a former Teacher of the Year for Elizabeth CityPasquotank Public Schools; and Glaxo Fellow for East Carolina’s Leadership Development Program. Lane also held offices in the North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics. During her education career, Lane worked as teacher, math coach and math instructional specialist. Lane’s expertise in mathematics complements her work with stained glass.
“You have to be exact,” she says of her pieces. “It is like a big jigsaw puzzle.”
Stained glass requires preciseness and accurate measurements when designing a piece, especially if it is being made for a specific location or window.
“It’s challenging, it is hard work,” said Lane. “But it is so rewarding.”
Lane has created a variety of stained glass pieces — everything from angels to kaleidoscope patterns.
Lane said her process requires a variety of tools. One of her more frequently used tools is a pistol-grip glass cutter.
Lane said she normally uses gloves for her work. When she doesn’t, she can cut herself multiple times in a day, she said.
“Band-Aids and trash cans are your best friend,” she quipped.
Working with stained glass requires patience. Lane recalls standing and grinding glass for hours.
“The tedious part is making everything fit exactly,” said Lane. “I measure, measure and measure more.”
Lane said she prefers to use copper foil instead of lead in her work.
One of the most integral parts in a stained glass project is purchasing the correct type and amount of glass at the beginning of a project.
Whether it is cathedral glass, opalescent glass or antique glass, it is important to find the style that best reflects the artist’s vision.
“When you are buying glass for a project make sure you have enough glass for the project,” said Lane.
Lane said it is difficult to find the same type of glass to finish a project once you’ve started it.
Lane has also started making fused glass and purchased a kiln a year ago to use for the process. She has divided her studio into two areas, one area for stained glass and the other for fused glass.
Lane also is experimenting with 3-D images.
“Doing different things is what keeps me going,” she said. She said some of her favorite pieces of stained glass were made as gifts for her family. Her grandchildren have received pieces that feature cats, unicorns and a guitar. Lane also has created different stained glass windows for her home. The light creates an awesome effect as it passes through the windows.
Lane recently participated in the weeklong RiverSplash artists gathering in downtown Elizabeth City. Lane said she looks forward to displaying her work at the Arts of the Albemarle in the near future.
Gail Lane, a stained-glass artist, uses her pistol-grip cutting tool to cut glass for a stained-glass piece she’s working on. Lane has been creating stained-glass art ever since taking a class on it at College of The Albemarle 30 years ago. She also now teaches others how to work with stained glass. Chris Day/ The Daily Advance Above This angel is an example of the types of stained-glass pieces Gail Lane creates in her home studio.
Below These flowers are an example of the kind of stained-glass pieces Gail Lane creates in her home studio.
Photos courtesy Gail Lane
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