Retta Hentschel

Retta Hentschel

Retta Hentschel

I Do Windows

Artists Statement

I upscale salvaged antique Depression glass dishes, agate slices, rondels, chandelier crystals and bevels with contemporary stained glass. These found objects are not cut or damaged, but placed as a whole into my creation.

I match the color and textures of contemporary American made glass to compliment the colors from the glass producers of Ohio and Indiana where most of the Depression glass was made during the 1920’s, 1930’s, and 1940’s.

I use a jewelry-like decorative soldering to hold the glass pieces in place. My soldering technique also accents and compliments the dishes as well as the stained glass. I have developed and improved this technique for over 20 years, making adjustments in engineering a window which results in the best finished piece of art.

My work is not done from patterns.

I start with a focal point and stained glass is hand cut and custom fit around the focal point as the panel evolves. This provides me with a freedom to create as I craft each piece of art glass.

Because my art is built on a flat surface, I am always excited to see what I’ve created when the panel is first held up to the light. Building on a flat surface has also challenged me to engineer some unusual building techniques to achieve the three-dimensional look to some of my panels and lamps.

http://Idowindowsbyrettaglass.com