Our makers never fail to motivate us, encourage our creativity, and fill us with inspiration. So, when a new design enters our assortment, we’re always excited to learn more about the person behind the product.
What gets an artist going and keeps them creating is certainly worth sharing, and every great connection starts with a simple introduction. Meet Chanda Froehle, the artist behind the Stained Glass Panel Collection.
When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
I must have been very young when I knew I wanted to be an artist. I don’t remember ever not wanting to be an artist. From a very young age, my mom always encouraged me to keep making art, and my step dad always encouraged me to stay focused on my goals.
What was the most exciting thing about becoming a professional artist?
I think the most exciting thing about becoming a professional artist was realization that I could actually do this as a career. When you’re young, and you tell someone that you want to be an artist, you get a lot of “oh honey that’s nice, but let’s be realistic” type of reactions. Because of that, I think it makes doing what I love for a living that much more exciting.
What does your typical day in the studio look like?
A typical day in my studio… I spend a lot of time listening to music while I hand-cut my glass. I usually spend one day a week grouting, which is actually my favorite part of the process! It is completely messy, and that is the point where I can see the design coming to life.
Is there a trinket, talisman, or other inspirational object you keep near? If so, what is it and what does it mean to you?
I don’t know if this counts as a talisman, but I have this little box in my studio which contains my very first stained glass. My husband gave it to me years ago. It is very special to me, because without that glass, and without my husband’s unwavering support, I may have never tried to make a living as a glass artist.
Imagine you just showed your work to a kindergartner for the first time. What do you think they would say?
I imagine if I were to show my work to a kindergartner, he or she would want to know how often I cut myself. Also, I think they would like the part where I sometimes get to smash some glass up with a hammer.
What quote or mantra keeps you motivated?
“And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” -Friedrich Nietzsche.
4 Comments
Hi! Would it be possible to have Chanda write “The Way” going up the tree trunk if we ordered that piece?
Thanks,
Jen
Hello Jen!
Thanks for your question. We wish we could accommodate your cool idea, but as this is not a custom item, it’s not possible for Chandra to produce special, one-off versions of it.
Hi – I’m remodeling my house and would like to have a stained glass window at the front porch. Does Chandra make a panel to be hung inside an existing window – or does she make a stained glass window to be used as a window itself? thanks
Hi, Donna! The panels we carry are meant to lean up against your window, but don’t come equipped with hardware to hang (or install as windows). Hope this helps.