A Quaker craftsman in a church-window production shop in Des Moines, Iowa taught me the traditional skills of making stained glass windows in the early 70’s. The Silk Road series of wall and window pieces reflects images and narratives drawn from my 30 years of employment related to the Middle East. 

I am inspired by the shards and artifacts gathered on my travels across the region - from Morocco east to Iran and Turkey in the west. Found objects, ceramics, pressed plants, minerals, and mosaics are joined with glass and hammered and pierced brass. 

My designs are influenced by the study of Islamic ornamentation and of Middle Eastern cultures, history and political struggles.

I have been influenced by places such as Cyprus, the island of Aphrodite, Shiraz and its roses, Esfahan's caravanserai, Beit Jala, a historic Christian village near Bethlehem, and Jerusalem.

NCAGG Gallery