Today we’d like to introduce you to Law Sedory.
Law, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Inspired by my grandfather who was an industrial designer and talented artist, I attended the American Academy of Art in Chicago (122 S. Michigan Ave, at the time). Some years later I was contacted by a friend of my older brother who worked in art glass. He explained that he needed an assistant for a large project and considering my background thought I’d be a good choice as his apprentice. After months of initial training I started full time on his project: the restoration of windows (and production of new additional windows) on none-other-than Frank Lloyd Wright’s Heurtley House in Oak Park. Quite a grandiose beginning, some would say! After about a year of apprenticeship, I ventured out on my own working from my home. Soon thereafter, I was hired to restore windows for FL Wright’s Walter Gale House, as well as build new windows for the attic room which appeared in original plans but were never executed. I had intermittent employment at other glass studios when their large projects or busy seasons warranted additional help. You see, in such a small field the number of potential employers is limited; most studios can only afford one ‘seasoned expert’ employee, if any, and it seemed they all already had one. Being limited to inconsistent commissioned work as an income was no cakewalk, yet the experience I gained was invaluable.
I again found part-time employment at a Chicago studio in 2013, and became quickly disappointed as I witnessed (to be blunt) a complete and utter lack of craftsmanship standards. At times, the ‘expert’ and owner demonstrated zero knowledge about basic materials, tools, and standards. Recognizing there was a real need to offer clients better quality inspired me, as well as the encouragement of my wonderful wife, to open my first brick and mortar art glass shoppe. My wife kept asking me, “What are you waiting for?” It was then I knew this was right for Chicagoland and right for us.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Opening my own storefront was a scary endeavor, to say the least. I am by no means a business minded person so keeping records, inventory lists, information for taxes and such…not my forte. I simply want to create and build beautiful work! It’s been quite a learning curve to get all those ducks in a row (and keep them there!) whilst still finding time for actual production work, which is the only way to pay the overhead costs that come with a storefront. There never seems to be enough time to get what I expected I’d get done…the toughest balancing act I’ve known.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Art & Glass Studio – what should we know?
I design, build, and install stained glass windows. The all-encompassing term for windows or sculpture made with glass is ‘art glass’; hence my company name. I added the ampersand to signify that I’m an artist in several mediums, not just glass. I also make ceramic art tiles, dabble in woodworking, painting, wrought iron, and various one-off pieces in mixed media. I also repair and restore antique windows in historic buildings and homes all over Chicago and beyond. I’ve been lucky enough to work in and on buildings that most design/architect freaks would be envious to see up so closely. I’m proud that my clients and the restoration experts that hire me trust me with their beloved investments and I’m glad to have taken part in the upkeep of such significant pieces, as I hope some of my work becomes significant in the future!
My endeavor is to bring stained glass into the current age. Most people think of stained glass as only for churches or houses of antiquity. I personally love an Industrial Ultra Modern decor and try to show clientele that stained glass can instead be designed and executed in a way that screams ‘modern art installation of rich colours!’
I use the store space I have to highlight the work of other artists, as well, so the front area of my shoppe is a retail art gallery. I myself continue to make work in other art mediums which can be found in the gallery also. Even when they aren’t looking to purchase, I enjoy that locals stop in regularly to appreciate the various pieces of work or to see what new project I’m working on. Being a part of the community is important to me, and the social aspect of being present is rewarding in and of itself.
The biggest difference between myself and almost everywhere I have worked is attention to detail. Cutting glass by hand to fit into very specific shapes between unforgiving lines of metal is not easy when the designs get complex. There are several ways to ‘fudge’ and ‘cheat’ to make mistakes disappear with the putty we use to seal a window…ways I refuse to incorporate into my work. I have been told that too much time spent on craftsmanship is bad for profit, yet I simply cannot do inferior work because it gives me a few extra dollars at the end of the month. My glass art panels are going to stand the test of time.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Perhaps at the time I did not fully appreciate my mentor’s insistence on such attention to detail, but now I do beyond measure, Peter Morava of Morava Studios is the man who taught me the craft of stained glass, and taught me to do it right, without compromise, I also have to credit my wife, who is relentlessly supportive of my goals and helpful in the fight to achieve them.
Contact Info:
- Address: 124 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187
- Website: art-glass-studio.net
- Phone: 708-482-0037
- Email: law@art-glass-studio.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agstudio13/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Art-Glass-Studio-146246145433407/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AGstudio13
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/art-and-glass-studio-wheaton
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