Sometimes the passion for art is evident very early in life, and sometimes it takes a while to show itself. The latter is true for Garry Dawson, a White Bear Lake stained-glass master who now makes a living creating stunning art pieces that exalt the sun. “I enrolled in the stained-glass art course because it looked interesting and I needed some self therapy at the time,” Dawson says.
In 1995, Dawson was dealing with some life changes, and he decided to glance through a local community college catalog to see what would help relieve the stress. That’s when he came across a stained-glass art course. “Throughout the course, I built a few two-dimensional projects utilizing lead came (made of different metals) construction and a chandelier using copper foil,” Dawson says. “I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, but being fully employed at the time, I didn’t pursue the stained glass any further.”
Dawson used to work in a decidedly less artistic arena, spending his days with IBM mainframe computer systems, software and hardware. “I had a challenging and satisfying career, but all good things end, and retirement came. Now, struggling with my new life away from work, I rediscovered stained glass,” Dawson says.
As Dawson pursued this art form, he knew exactly what he wanted to create. “I prefer natural things with shapes and curves that are pleasing to the eye,” he says. “Geometric shapes are great for borders, but otherwise aren’t too exciting.” Images in his work include bald eagles, red roses, a hawk, butterflies, and a polar bear—nary a straight line to be found.
Concentrating solely on two-dimensional leaded stained glass, Dawson creates window and ceiling hangings, as well as window and cabinet inserts. He considers his stained glass work the “real thing”, because the beauty and interest of an art piece results from the colors, textures and light characteristics of the glass chosen for the design.
“All my pieces vary when it comes to the amount of time it takes to create them,” Dawson says. “The smaller pieces take anywhere from seven to 10 days, whereas the more complex pieces will take three to four weeks, plus an additional couple of days to design the piece.”
The glass pieces of a project are held together with lead or zinc came and are soldered together where they intersect. Wood frames and moldings, metal hangers, S-hooks and chains are some materials used to display the finished product.
With more than 30 pieces already made, Dawson hopes to start selling more of his work. His pieces range from $200 to $1,000, depending on the size and number of stained-glass components he has to use.
Dawson also donated his artwork to his church, St. Mary of the Lake. Two years ago, Mary Scherping, the parish administrator, approached Dawson for his help.
“In 2012, we lost a very special long-time employee, our office manager, Peggy Dramm, and wanted to have a fitting memorial for her in our building,” Scherping says. “[Garry] created a stunning glass window of an empty beach chair overlooking White Bear Lake in her honor. Peggy loved White Bear Lake, and she loved St. Mary’s. She always had a positive spirit, even in dealing with serious health issues. [The piece] is hanging in a window in our reception area. I see it every day and always think how beautiful it is and how it is the perfect memorial for her.”
When creating a new item, the anticipation of the final product, imagining the interplay between the light and the glass, is Dawson’s greatest reward. “You can’t tell how well the design comes together until everything is complete and you hold it up in the sunlight,” Dawson says. That, it seems, is the magic of stained glass. “Not only has it become my hobby, but it’s also my passion.”
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Garry’s Glass
651.407.8920
