Contemporary Design

Stained glass is evolving alongside the architecture to which it belongs.

Frans Kat has been integrating stained glass into architectural settings for well over two decades. Some of the techniques he uses are often traditional, including kiln-fired glass painting, acid etching, sandblasting, plating and fusing. However the designs are contemporary and relate closely to elements within the architecture.

Early on in his career, master workshops under the direction of stained glass luminaries such as Ludwig Schaffrath and more particularly Johannes Schreiter, in 1986, had a marked influence on the thinking, if not the style, of Frans Kat.

Today, he has a style very much his own, while retaining a versatility and adaptability. He has, on occasion, been inspired by elements from the life story of his clients and these have sometimes been reflected symbolically within the design. At other times he may take elements from the world of nature directly where the building is situated, or sometimes the building’s function or design may be a cause for emphasis.

 In a sense, stained glass can be seen as a painting in three dimensions; the third dimension being created by what is seen through the glass, a quality unique to glass art.

Click on thumbnails for larger images

• < Prev
• Next >