We are GlassSmiths
Janet Perry-Smith & Richard Smith designing and fabrication of custom representational stained glass art. Through her minds eye, Janet fabricates individual works of art with the love, support, consultation and assistance of her husband & partner, Richard. A joint artistic endeavor founded by the desire to extend the beauty and diversity of life through the fluid nature of glass.
Janet Perry-Smith ------ Glass Artist
She calls it “painting in glass” and has found inspiration for her works of art from many years of touring as a member of the National Symphony Orchestra. While a member of the violin section from 1966 until 2004, Janet developed her second career creating panels with glass, semi-precious stones, bits of shell and found objects.
As a child in Glendale, California Janet found interest in jigsaw puzzles, paper dolls and coloring books between her music studies and later she developed an interest in sewing, making many of her own clothes. Although music was the mainstay in her life and she enjoyed it immensely, her love of a varied artistic life was always with her. After moving to the Washington, D.C. area Janet continued in that vein by combining her sewing ability with that of a friend involved in weaving. This collaboration, named Opus Two, produced garments incorporating elements of both textures, fine fabrics and woven art. Their wearable art was sold at fairs and craft shows and was well received.
Circa 1975 Janet enrolled in a class for stained glass design and found a love for a form of creative expression that reminded her of her childhood pursuits. So it is today that her talents have brought her artistry to the design and construction of these indelible works of beauty through the colorfully fluid world of glass.
Many of her works are by private commission from friends and colleagues wanting to find expressions of their personal interests. As representational family heirlooms these pieces are unique and often encompass the life of the subject. Janet brings a distinct personal touch to such works and her study of color and shape lend themselves to a richly textured treatment of the subject.
Much of her interest in working with glass came from love and necessity when her husband, Richard Smith,a northern Virginia Realtor®, needed some replacement windows for a Victorian house he was in the process of renovating. Their collaboration continues with Glass Smiths, a studio they started in 1988. While Janet works with the design, Richard works with etching, carving and the framing that is often a necessity for the project. They have both traveled the world while Janet was on tour with the National Symphony and many of their works are from photos Richard had taken while Janet was “at work”. The cherry blossomed pathways of Japan, the palm trees of Puerto Rico, the lace window screens from Belgium and the shadow puppets of Indonesia have all been subjects of Janet’s artistry.
One of our favorite sources of new expressions are photos from life experience. Below is a sample of how it works. In this instance, it is from a photo of a jogger Richard snapped while on a walk through the cherry trees when we were in Osaka, Japan on an NSO tour years ago.
As you peruse the portfolio of works, consider if you have an idea you believe would capture the joy of your life. A treasured family heirloom piece might be just the right present for someone you love. Please contact us, we may be able to make it happen in the timeless beauty of glass.
