Local glass artist Lutz Haufschild is not a household name in Vancouver, and it’s a shame. Many of his works decorate buildings both here in the Lower Mainland and in places around the world such as Taiwan, USA and Germany. His most prominent local work, “The Great Wave” at the Vancouver International Airport is an immense glass portrayal of the ocean and complements Bill Reid’s iconic “Jade Canoe” sculpture. What is little known is that an equally stunning work by this internationally renowned artist resides quietly in Renfrew Collingwood.
Located at the northwest corner of Kingsway and Joyce Streets, St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church features four stunning stained glass windows at the top of the church structure. The name of this set of four windows is “The Four Seasons.” What sets them apart from conventional stained glass church windows are the fluid abstract shapes and vivid colours. Each window is symbolic of a season due to its placement and its use of specific colours. As a long time parishioner of St. Mary’s, I never grew tired of looking at these beautiful windows.
Easily reachable by his website, www.glassfocus.com, Mr. Haufschild kindly answered some questions regarding “The Four Seasons.”
Q: How did you land the commission to design the windows for St. Mary’s church?
I was recommended to the committee by the architect. Also, the budget was so low that it required somebody with my knowledge and resources to complete the large area competently.
Q: Where did you get the inspiration for the window designs?
The committee proposed the theme of "The Four Seasons" to celebrate God's creation. I happily experimented with colors and their volume according to their prominence during the particular season.
Q: Who or what influences your artistic work?
All good contemporary artists and architects and their exceptional projects influence my work, as does nature. My studio, f.e. is in the coastal mountains of BC at the shore of Lillooet Lake near Whistler.
Q: What has been the reaction from the audience regarding the St. Mary’s church windows?
As far as I know very good. The work was conceived so that there are significant changes in the appearance of the windows and their reflections in the interior, depending on the time of day and the seasons, to more appreciate our beautiful planet.
In closing, Mr. Haufschild offered some very helpful advice in viewing the windows: “By the way, stained glass from the outside is never very appealing (unless there is light inside the church). Stained glass, like mankind, needs light to live.”
If you want to view the windows yourself, since St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church is private property and a place of worship, please check their website www.stmarysvancouver.ca for more information on times when the church is open for worship and visiting. For more information on artist Lutz Haufschild and his glass work (as well as information on his local and international projects), check his website at www.glassfocus.com.
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