By Namita A Shrivastava

People are like stained glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is light within.
— Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

What is it about glass that inspires artistes and poets alike? Today, it is a favourite among collectors, interior decorators and homemakers. It’s not what you see in it but what you sense — calm and clear. Though glass usually lends an aesthetic value, there are a few pieces that make good investment options, too. For instance, Lalique crystals are any collector’s dream and so are collectibles from Murano, Daume and Swarovski.

The Undeniable Qualities
Appealing, intriguing translucent, fragile... Fragile? Glass artistes would vouch that glass has inherent strength. In reality, glass is mechanically strong. It can withstand intense heat or cold, in fact, even sudden temperature changes. Is it any wonder then that it is even used to make spacecrafts windows? The fragile reputation is only because of its surface imperfections.

Back to its qualities, it is highly malleable and reflects, bends, transmits and absorbs light. That perhaps explains the new wave of glass objects — tables, chairs, headboards, washbasins, shower enclosures, bar counters, tabletops, consoles, wall hangings, magazine racks, door knobs, tap fittings and glass bricks.

Glass Apart
“Glass is contemporary and stylish,” says architect and interior designer Yashwanth Rammurthy. It’s also the hottest commercial building exterior these days. Glass is being put to clever use and is enjoying a status it never did before. Architects and designers assure us that it’s as safe as any other material we commonly use. It is even considered as good as cement or brick. Glass artiste Veena Singhani, who has been working with the medium for many years now says, “There’ a Zen about glass. It’s also gaining popularity because of space constraints and changing tastes. These days, a lot of people prefer glass to wood.” Veena has decorated many homes and offices with her etchings and stained glass works. She thinks there’s a lot more to glass art than just bevelling, laminating and sand blasting.

Advantage Glass
To begin with — it’s less obtrusive. Moreover, doesn’t it create an illusion of space? And who can deny it is trendy and adds sparkle to any interior? However, it does require high maintenance. It collects dust and even the faintest finger stains are easily visible. But glass enthusiasts choose to overlook this. Glass is being used a great deal in kitchens and bathrooms lately.

Glass washbasins of varied shapes have become a rage — deep bowls, cascading waterfalls, fish and oyster shells. So also, the tempered glass in colours of clear, frosted, white, violet, cobalt blue, amber, green, blue, brown and silver. Mirrors, consoles, shelves and bathroom accessories like soap dishes, and dispensers can be coordinated too, and so can shower enclosures. Glass capsules are great space savers and are being seen as a good alternative to bathtubs, which require too much space.

Another trend is the increased use of glass in flooring. Many restaurants, pubs and discotheques these days are doing up the glassy look. They have, either the aisle, dance floor or some part of the flooring in glass. Nothing beats a glass staircase. It looks stylish and elegant.

Glass Collectibles
In the last few years, glass art has evolved. Sisir Sahahna’s spectacular glass sculpture is a collector’s item. So is the fibreglass bust of a tribal woman by artist Ravinder Reddy. Not to be missed are the Balaji statue by Daume, Ganesha, also by Daume and another by Lalique, which are truly beautiful.

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