Samantha Peacock is putting a contemporary twist on an age-old art
Samantha Peacock admits she can get intensely passionate about certain hobbies for months at a time, thanks to her ADHD. “My brain is happiest when I am creating,” she says.
One hobby, however, shows no sign of slowing down: her stained-glass business, Heart of Glass. Under that name, the primary school teacher conjures up the most fantastical shapes and creations, from dainty flora to jaunty panthers – to the delight of her followers, her cat and, of course, her students, who are arguably her biggest fans.
How did you get started in the world of stained glass?
I have always been captivated by the sun and how it filters through leaves and windows, casting patterns of light and shadow. I believe stained glass captures that beauty and it has always been a dream of mine to own a home with a stained glass window.
Last year I saw a video of someone making stained glass art and realised that, with a lot of practice, I could make my own. I attended a class for eight weeks and fell in love with the process. The rest is history.
Samantha currently makes her art using the Tiffany method, a lengthy process that starts with drawing her design on Procreate, then printing the pattern and transferring it onto coloured glass to cut.
You’ve made everything from stained glass moths and racing cars to cat clocks. Where do you find inspiration for your creations?
I try to make things that bring me the most joy. I find inspiration in the world around me. Gardens and flowers have always been a love of mine, so I tend to gravitate toward floral pieces when I’m making art for myself or to sell. Many of the other pieces I’ve made have been things that people dream of owning but can’t quite afford, like their dream car or vintage cat clock.
Stained glass makes anything look beautiful, so I am really lucky to be able to follow my heart, excuse the pun, and make what I love.
What are you itching to make next?
There are a million things I want to make, and quite a few things I still need to learn. Making a stained glass lamp is definitely up there on my priority list. I have only just started experimenting with 3D shapes and I am very excited to develop this skill.
You’ve been experimenting with a more traditional style lately. What compelled that change?
I recently moved into a new home and my favourite activity is to go for walks around the neighbourhood in search of stained glass windows (and cats). I like the simplicity of shapes in traditional stained glass windows and I feel like there is a lot to learn when it comes to drawing my own patterns.
After breaking the glass, she uses a grinder to smooth out all the edges before wrapping them in copper foil tape. She then solders her pieces together using 60/40 lead.
What’s something you wish that people knew about stained glass art?
Making stained glass art takes more hours and money than most people realise. The current market makes it difficult to do stained glass as a sole profession. That’s why there is such a shortage of stained glass stores and artists in New Zealand.
We are lucky to live in a country where we can access affordable items, so much so that the appreciation for handmade, high-quality items has dwindled. Since starting making stained glass art I have developed such an appreciation for other artists and small businesses. I am so thankful to those wonderful people who have supported my business so far.
Samantha had always dreamed of a home with a stained glass window. Now she is surrounded by the glowing colours of her own hand-crafted glass art.
Which artists inspire you?
There are so many amazing stained glass artists overseas, including @littletasks.glass, @neighbourhoodglassworks and @linebaughstudios. I have also been inspired by all the incredible people who sell their work at Gray’s on Dominion Road in Auckland.
How can people follow and support your mahi?
My instagram is @heartofglass_nz and I currently sell my stained glass at Gray’s. We are lucky to have a supportive place where we can sell our art. Any support would be amazing, whether that’s visiting Gray’s, following me, or telling friends and family about my work. I post a lot of videos of me making stained glass art. If you’re curious about the process and are a visual learner like me, check them out on my Instagram page.
After she solders the pieces together, Samantha washes it with flux remover and warm soapy water, then polishes it with carnauba wax. After that, the piece is finished. “The whole process takes hours and hours, but the end result is well worth it,” she says.
What’s next for you and Heart of Glass?
I am setting up a website soon so my products can be accessible to everyone. Because I also work full-time I won’t be able to prioritise many customs. However, I would love to make small collections and sell them in a ‘monthly drop’. I am excited to start selling at local markets and online, so keep an eye out for Heart of Glass.
Text: Caroline Moratti
Photography: Babiche Martens
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