Modern stained glass window with lake Bolsena: A Tribute to Its Beauty
It was an honour for us to create a modern stained glass window with Lake Bolsena, a beautiful place that enchanted us from the moment we first saw it. A Dutch couple, tourists and friends who frequently visit this splendid corner of Italy, commissioned a luminous and colourful piece, rich in detail, to immortalise the beauty of this unique landscape and bring a special memory back to their home in the Netherlands.
Lake Bolsena: A Place That Captures the Heart
Lake Bolsena is impossible not to love. This extraordinary body of water, the largest volcanic lake in Europe, enchants with its two islands: Martana and Bisentina, the latter represented in our modern stained glass window with Lake Bolsena.
Its crystal-clear waters, fed by rain and numerous natural springs, provide the perfect habitat for rich biodiversity, populated by water birds, fish, and a multitude of insects. The lake also offers splendid beaches, often shaded by reeds and trees, ideal for those seeking respite from the summer heat. It’s no surprise that it is particularly beloved by Northern European tourists, who find in it a peaceful haven where the Italian sun feels gentler.
The Inspiration Behind the Modern Stained Glass Window
When starting the sketch, I reflected on what could best capture the essence of Lake Bolsena. The possibilities were endless. For us, this lake is a place of peace and wonder. Except for the coldest three months of the year, we love to start our mornings with a mix of sport and relaxation, kayaking and immersing ourselves in the nature adorning its charming beaches and coves. During these excursions, we observe its vibrant life: cormorants, ducks, herons, egrets, kingfishers, and the fish darting beneath the crystal-clear surface.
For this modern stained glass window with Lake Bolsena, I chose to depict some of its most iconic features. The coregone, the lake’s most famous fish, is celebrated (albeit, sadly, for its culinary excellence). I added the gulls that gather on the docks, taking flight in elegant unison as we approach. Finally, I included the typical aquatic plants, which in summer emerge to bloom, attracting fluorescent blue dragonflies that float lightly above the water.
This combination of elements, to me, captures the lake’s essence: a vibrant, rich ecosystem worthy of admiration and respect.
Craftsmanship and Materials
For this modern stained glass with Lake Bolsena, we opted to use almost exclusively blown glass. The crystal-clear transparency of this material, enriched with air bubbles trapped during the blowing process and its unique textures, gives movement and uniqueness to the sections of unpainted glass.
Traditional grisaille painting techniques were applied for the figurative parts, while a more experimental approach was adopted to represent the sun’s rays, wind, and water currents, creating a dynamic visual effect.
Since moving to Bolsena, we’ve fallen in love with this area, weaving our creativity with its beauty. We’ve represented the local fauna, such as the hoopoe, kingfisher, and porcupine, and created various interpretations of Saint Christina, the town’s patron saint.
A Custom Piece for Your Home
Jacline and Frank commissioned this modern stained glass window with Lake Bolsena at the start of their holiday, planning to take it home with them to the Netherlands by car. During the creation process, they visited several times to see the progress, appreciating our work and granting us the creative freedom necessary to produce an exceptional piece. The final result exceeded their expectations.
If you are also looking for a custom window or door to bring a unique touch to your home with a modern and contemporary style, IKO Studio is the perfect place for you.
Together, we’ll create the piece you’ve always dreamed of. Don’t wait – contact us via email or WhatsApp.
