Design of the Month · October 2006

"Lake Champlain"

This design was created to fit above the doorway of a house that overlooks Lake Champlain and the Adirondack mountains. As usual, I started with a visit to the client's home to see what kind of decor she had and to discuss what she was looking for. Her doorway was facing a beautiful lake and mountain view. The décor in this space had many landscape paintings of the local area. She also had many flowers both inside and outside her house. Her initial idea was a floral design because she wanted to pick up the colors in an oriental rug. After our meeting, an idea developed that a scene similar to what could be seen from the back of the house would be perfect. Because she loved irises, I incorporated some and this way I could also pick up the colors in the rug. I usually incorporate a detail like that to make each artwork unique and personal.

I use Glass Eye 2000 for all my pattern designing. In this design I started with a digital background image as the initial idea and added other details to the design. I enjoy working with Glass Eye 2000 because it is easy and fun. I like the Suggest feature because it helps me to make improvements. Making these corrections is not as important when using the decorative overlay technique, but it helps when sending designs to a plotter.

~ Chris Van Genechten

About the artist

Chris Van Genechten started making decorative glass about three years ago after teaching herself how to use Glass Eye 2000 and the overlay application. She uses the decorative overlay technique because it allows designs without the limitations of traditional stained glass. Art Nouveau and Frank Lord Wright designs have always fascinated her. Nature scenes, especially lakes and sunsets, also get her inspired.

Chris moved from Belgium over twenty years ago, and lives in Vermont with her husband and two children. She has background in art and interior design. At her day job she designs baths and kitchens. Her hobby has slowly grown in to a part-time business. You may contact Chris at champlainglassart@yahoo.com.

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