Restored stained glass window by Jeff Cofell

A Creative Life by Jen Merritt

According to Wikipedia, “Stained glass, as an art and a craft, requires the artistic skill to conceive an appropriate and workable design, and the engineering skills to assemble the piece.” To further that, those who work with glass are called “Glaziers: a construction professional who selects, cuts, installs, replaces, and removes residential, commercial, and artistic glass. Glaziers also install aluminum storefront frames and entrances, glass handrails and balustrades, shower enclosures, curtain wall framing and glass and mirror walls.”

Arts & Culture Editor for the Chatham-Kent Daily Post has offered me a unique opportunity to become more involved in Chatham-Kent’s arts community and through this experience, I have come to realize that we have a diverse range of artists in our Municipality. Never before have I realized just how many artisans work with stained glass. Off the top of my head, locals such as Tammy Howlett, and Mike Johnston come to mind; however, another local Glazier agreed to take the time for an interview with the CKDP, and thus I would like to introduce you to the beautiful work of Jeff Cofell.

What is the name of your business?

Magnolia Stained Glass Studio

What type of art do you do?

I do all kinds of custom designed pieces for my customers. I also enjoy creating abstract designs that I incorporate into my windows. I have some of those pieces on display in my shop. In addition to custom pieces I do alot of restoration to older stained glass windows. Basically I take windows that have really deteriorated over time and make them look brand new again.

How did you first get interested in  this field?

I worked at Erie Glass in Chatham and learned the basics of working with glass. Then I took a stained glass class with a friend and loved the creativity involved in it, so I decided to pursue it as a career.

How did you learn how to do what you do?

I got a job at Carousel Glass in Ridgetown and started on very simple pieces and learned the basics of the different methods of creating stained glass pieces. Then as I got more experience, I started figuring out how to do the more detailed and difficult pieces. After I knew how the pieces were made and put together, I started working on repairing and restoring stained glass windows. The majority of what I know about stained glass was self taught and I am constantly learning with every new project I do.

What is the most exciting thing that has happened to you in your practice?

The most exciting thing that has happened to me in my business so far is having the opportunity to work on a church stained glass window restoration project. The window was believed to have been covered up since the 1920’s. Once the window was removed, 3 of the 8 glass panels were missing. I restored the 5 existing ones and created 3 new panels to match. I attached a picture of the completed window after it was re-installed into the church tower.

What is the most challenging thing?

The most challenging thing for me is to get the word out to people in the area and surrounding areas that there is someone close that is able to take on larger restoration projects as well as making something extremely unique to give as a gift or keep for themselves. I also try to let people know that adding stained glass to your home increases the value of the property.

Leaf stained glass window by Jeff Cofell

What sort of things do you do to help your business grow?

In addition to radio and newspaper advertising, I try to make it to various art shows around the area to show people some of the pieces I have worked on in the past. I also show them the different pattern books I have to give them some ideas of what I can do for them.

What would you tell someone who wants to work in the same field as you?

If someone wanted to work in the same field as me, I would tell them that it requires alot of creativity, long hours, lots of interaction with people and most of all patience. Almost all of the work I do is very tedious and you have to be patient and be willing to put in the time needed to make sure the project is done properly and that the customer is happy. You cannot be in a hurry to get a project done.

What would you like to see happen in your field, and how are you going to make it happen?

I would like to see more people exposed to the art of stained glass and realize how unique each piece of stained glass is, no matter the age or condition of it. People have been working in the art of stained glass for centuries and the possibilities involved in creating a new piece of artwork is endless. I try to expose my art to as many people as I can in hopes that they will share it with their friends and family. If anyone would like to see some of my work, you can search for Magnolia Stained Glass Studio on Facebook and view my picture gallery. Any feedback would be very much appreciated.

To contact Jeff Cofell:
Magnolia Stained Glass Studio
19558 Kent Bridge Road, Blenheim, Ont. N0P 1A0
519-365-2242
magnoliastainedglass@hotmail.com
Facebook Group: Magnolia Stained Glass Studio