Glass is a fascinating material. It captures light, reflects color, and seems to come alive in its surroundings. No wonder artists have worked with glass for centuries. Yet “glass art” is a broad term: there are several ways to shape and transform glass, each with its own character, technique, and atmosphere.
In this blog, I’ll take you through three of the best-known forms of glass art: stained glass, Tiffany, and glass fusing — the technique I use in my studio in Doesburg.
Stained Glass – The Classic Technique
Stained glass is perhaps the oldest and most recognizable form of glass art. Think of the colorful windows in churches or historic buildings.
In this technique, pieces of colored glass are cut into a pattern and joined together using lead strips, which are then soldered for strength.
What makes stained glass so distinctive is its bold, graphic lines — the lead gives the artwork a clear structure while allowing light and color to shine through. The result is classic, characterful, and timeless.
Tiffany – Delicate and Refined
The Tiffany technique is a more refined variation of stained glass, developed by American artist Louis Comfort Tiffany in the late 19th century.
Instead of lead, it uses copper foil wrapped around the edges of the glass pieces, which are then soldered together with tin.
Because the foil is thinner and more flexible, it allows for more intricate details and flowing shapes. Tiffany is often used for lampshades, panels, and decorative objects. Its look is light, elegant, and decorative.
Glass Fusing – Modern Freedom in Color and Form
Glass fusing, the technique I personally work with, is a contemporary form of glass art where the glass pieces aren’t joined with lead or copper but are fused together in a kiln.
Different layers of glass are placed on top of each other and melted at around 800°C until they merge into a single piece. By playing with layers, color, and transparency, you can create captivating depth and movement.
With my background in graphic design, I always approach my glasswork from a design perspective. That’s where the challenge lies for me: shaping an idea that gains a new dimension through glass. The material itself amplifies my designs, giving them light, vibrancy, and character.
Glass fusing offers incredible creative freedom — from small, luminous panels to larger wall pieces. Each artwork reacts uniquely to light, making every piece a new discovery.
One Material, Three Worlds
Although all three techniques use glass, their expressions differ greatly:
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Stained glass – bold, classic, and structured.
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Tiffany – refined, graceful, and decorative.
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Glass fusing – modern, expressive, and free.
Each type of glass art tells its own story. For me, glass fusing is the way to let my designs speak through light, color, and form — discovering again and again what glass can do.