"Geisha With Parasol"
An Original Design by Kelly Lynn Smith

Winner of "Most Unique" in The Ring of Fire Contest
Sponsored by Delphi Stained Glass and ArtFire.com

Custom Stained Glass geisha that I designed for the "Ring of Fire" contest at Delphi Stained glass. It takes a non-traditional approach to the theme incorporating ring glass in the kimono with fired on glass paints in the facial details. 2010 brings me back to stained glass after many years of being away from this art form. I'm pushing the envelope by now creating my own designs and patterns in addition to learning new techniques. This piece is my first time using glass paints on stained glass.

Wire mesh was one of required elements that I incorporated into my design in the small parasol spokes. The fine wire used on the hair ornament was another contest element. I used a jeweler's tool to make the loops. Note the butterfly (traditional symbol of new life) in the lower left on the obi bow. It is a natural formation in the glass.

The design is loosely based upon Gong Li as it would surely take the world's finest artist to be able to capture her exquisite beauty. This piece is a companion to the stained glass portrait of our own "Geisha" (Tahkira Angelsun Memoirs) and are displayed together in my home.

I first learned stained glass making when I took a beginner's class at The Stained Pane in Middlefield, Ohio taught by Betsy Roll. At the time I was pregnant with my daughter Kaitlin (now 17). For a few years, I was very active in this art form but hadn't made any pieces for over a decade until Kaitlin took an art class in school and needed some assitance. It rekindled my interest. With my daughter working by my side and this nice national win--it feels like the stained glass has now come full circle.



Email

This piece won "Most Unique" in the national Ring of Fire Contest on July 9, 2010 sponsored by Delphi Stained Glass in Lansing, MI and ArtFire.com. My original design "Geisha With Parasol" Tiffany style piece was the only traditional soldered stained glass piece to place. It was my first time to enter any type of an art glass contest. Thank you to the judges who have honored me with this award.

To see the winners, Click Here.

My prize was a shopping spree at ArtFire.com. It would have been my top choice (other than the grand prize of a kiln) and I had a GREAT time shopping. I got a beautiful hand beaded designer collar that fits both our poodles and afghan hound, exquisite sea shell lampwork beads, heart shaped real freshwater pearl necklace, a string of plum real freshwater pearls and a hand made poodle bride and groom card. Thanks again to Delphi and ArtFire!!

"For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another."
Psalm 75: 6, 7

"For those who honor Me, will I also honor."
1 Samuel 2: 30

The second biblical quote was made very famous in the movie "Chariots of Fire" with Dodi Fayed as the executive producer. It was handed on a note to Eric Liddel a devout Scottish Christian by a competitor after his refusal to go against his beliefs even when pressured to do so by the British Olympic Committee and the Prince of Wales. He stood firm, was instead placed in a different event that he did not normally run--and won. .

"Geisha With Parasol" and "Portrait of Geisha"
Original Designs by Kelly Lynn Smith

These are companion pieces.
The portrait is based on a photo that I shot of our afghan hound "Geisha" (Tahkira Angelsun Memoirs)
My photo was chosen to be on display at Meet The Breeds in NYC.