© Jo Chamness Art, LLC 2005-2017
About
I am a Mixed Media Artist working primarily in Copper and Stained Glass. A Wife and Mother, born
and raised in Western Maryland, I grew up surrounded by the beauty of nature. Many years ago, my
husband and I moved to South Florida. Over the years I have dabbled in just about every art form that
exists. All of my formal training has been in Photography, Painting and Design. I had, for many years,
been working as an award winning Fine Art Photographer. I show my work at Art Festivals throughout
the United States and have won numerous awards for my sculptures and photography.
I began working on these sculptures in 2005. Events in my life presented me with the opportunity, the
time, and the energy to do something new and different. Combining two mediums that I loved, Glass
and Metal, came as a natural thing to do. My first pieces were made from recycled copper and glass
bottles. Now, I primarily make large scale Copper and Stained Glass Sculptures. I take metal, stained
glass, and assorted materials and put them together like a huge jigsaw puzzle, making something
recognizable and beautiful.
Inspiration comes from everywhere. I love the challenge of combining the copper and the glass. The
warm subtle glow of the copper and the colorful sparkle of the glass beg to be transformed into
something wonderful. The results are these beautifully organic Copper and Stained Glass Sculptures.
The Process
The process begins with an idea and a drawing which I enlarge to the size I want to work with. Then
various sizes of copper pipe, sheet, and/or tubing are cut and shaped to form the main body. The
copper and all supports are welded together to form a frame.
Then the Stained Glass is added. I begin with full sheets of Stained Glass, which are broken into
small pieces, foiled, and soldered. I then assemble these pieces together like a mosaic jigsaw puzzle,
using varying colors to give shape, depth, and dimension to the pieces. The glass is soldered together;
and then soldered into the copper frames. The sculptures are then thoroughly cleaned and sealed with
an exterior coating that protects it from the elements and prevents oxidation (turning green).
The Sculptures can be displayed indoors or out.
They are made with Stained Glass like that used in windows and doors and from Copper like the water
pipes and AC coils in your home. Since they are made from copper they will not rust and deteriorate as
many less expensive pieces. With a little care these sculptures should last for years. When available
recycled copper and glass is used.