For the aspiring artist, anything can be used for art. Anything. And for a gifted few, glass is the material of their choice. Glass making has been around for quite a long time, and a lot of people consider the craft itself as a method of creating works of art. Today there are thousands of glasswork made by both amateurs and professionals all over the world, each so beautiful and breathtaking that you’d take off your sunglasses to marvel at it with your own eyes.

Below are five samples of glass art; we’ll cite just a few so you can better appreciate each in all its glory.

 

Stained Glass Dome Ceiling in Chicago

The Chicago Cultural Center is an 1897 landmark where the city’s mayor welcomed Presidents and royalty, as well as countless diplomats and leaders. Though initially built as a public library, it’s mostly used as a center for the arts and culture as instigated by the Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Lois Weisberg. One of its attractions is the Preston Bradley Hall, a large and ornate room lined with Carrara marble and capped with a 38-foot glass dome. Designed by artist J.A. Holtzer, this fantastic room is said to be the world’s largest Tiffany dome.

 

Sainte-Chapelle Stained Glass in France

Built sometime after 1239 and consecrated in April 26, 1248, the Sainte-Chapelle is considered to be the best Gothic architecture constructed during the Raonnant period and as one of the oldest surviving buildings of the Capetian royal palace on the Île de la Cité. It also has one of the most extensive collections of 13th century stained glass in the world, each window presenting a different icon. For example, the three windows of the eastern apse feature from left to right the Infancy of Christ, The Passion and the Life of John the Evangelist. In contrast, the nave windows feature Old Testament images. Some of the glass arts were even commissioned by King Louis IX himself!

Glass Windows of Grossmünster Cathedral in Switzerland

Legends say that the Grossmünster (“great minster”) was founded by Charlemagne himself. Today, it’s one of the three major churches in Zurich, and its Romanesque style makes it a monument of art in its own right. The cathedral features unusual stained-glass windows, although they would appear somewhat ordinary to inexpert eyes. In fact, each of the glass used contains slices of agate. Aside from this, the church also underwent some renovations that added new artworks; in 2009, twelve exquisite windows designed by Sigmar Polke was installed, making the venue more striking than ever.

 

Ben Young’s Seascape Glass Sculptures

Glass art isn’t limited to stained glass windows found in buildings all over the world. Inspired by the oceans and waves as well as the landscape and geography of his native homeland New Zealand, Sydney-based artist Ben Young presents a series of amazing glass sculptures. The sample photo is only one of them. His works captured the attention and admiration of many that it’s put on display in the Kirra Gallery in Melbourne. You can also view it through Young’s Facebook page.

Swine Flu Virus Glass Model

Many artists have made colorful and beautiful statues and models with it as well! This particular piece is made by Luke Jerram shows us what a Swine Flu bacterium looks like, up close and personal. This artwork is one among many featured in Jerram’s on-going series Glass Microbiology.

These are just some of the well-known glass artworks. Keep in mind that there are thousands of other glass masterpieces out there, made by famous or unknown artists. Even you can make one of your own, and someday have your own fair share of admirers as well!