Comments on the stained glass

This is a small selection of responses to my stained glass work received over the Internet or appearing on the web. The comments come mostly from professional and amateur artists and others in the stained glass business, from all over the USA and abroad. I enjoy receiving responses to my work, and thank all those who have written to me.

A Most Incredible Talent: Studying the stained glass work of Robert N. Oddy will lift your appreciation of the art form to a new level. Oddy approaches design and glass selection with an astonishing new perspective that may leave you re-thinking the “limitations” of stained glass… (From a feature on the home page of the Spectrum Glass Company, July  Sept. 1997)

A modern artist who does fascinating windows, demonstrating that the art of stained glass is alive and well today. (From a BBCi web page item on the history of stained glass, Jan. 2002)

Your work is truly spectacular! Never have I seen such glorious use of glass. You are an incredibly talented man.

Your artistic talent leaves me speechless. You will no doubt be known as one of the stained glass greats of this century! I have been doing glass work for about five years and push my ability every time I pick up a pencil or cutter. Your work inspires me to keep pushing. Thank you for the inspiration.

Your work sent chills through me and I am in awe at your artistry and workmanship. Very rarely have inanimate objects brought tears to my eyes, but the beauty of your work has done so.

I am beginning a small home-based architectural stained glass and mosaic business here in San Diego, and, in doing some research, came across your site. Can I tell you how humbled I am by your work and how incredibly impressive it is?! Like you, I am primarily inspired by wildlife and nature but you have taken it to greater heights. You are truly an inspiration.

I just happened to discover your website a few minutes ago, and my breath was completely taken away! Tiffany has always been my hero – but now, after looking at your works………you are right up there with him. I love how your lines are squiggly and random and just so totally natural. I like the pieces that have wide-open spaces, and then one section will be filled with detail. Your trees are my favorites.

One look at your wonderful stained-glass art would convince any sensible person, initiated or not, that you are a master; certainly that has been my experience, and pleasure. I will just add a simple “hats off” to your fund of accolades.

I was awed by your work. I just returned from England and France where I met a lot of glass folk and was fortunate enough to spend a day at Gabrielle Loire studio in Chartres. Having just spent two weeks being totally inspired by cathedrals and private artists, I can honestly say that your work is awesome. Thank you for your web site; it was an inspiration.

I am inspired! What gorgeous work!!! Oh, to one day be even a fraction as good as that! That is what I find so amazing about all of this – to create just beautiful “paintings” with glass pieces. To me, it takes much more talent to be able to do that in glass. As a painter, I know.

Robert Oddy was there and his work is like a sunset, colorful and uniquely designed that changes from every angle. A must see for someone who has never seen it.

But Bob Oddy has extraordinary talent, I mean really extraordinary. And I do believe that he knows how to do his research. If you have never seen his work in person, make a valiant effort the next time it is on display. It is awe inspiring as well as just plain inspiring. I could have all the finest teachers in the world and never even come close to his talent. His works do inspire me to not take the easy way out on any design, and for that alone I would admire him.

I don’t know that I can find words to describe how absolutely marvelous your work is. What you do Mr. Oddy ISN’T stained glass — it’s first class ART. I admire that you were able to turn your full time profession to stained glass. You have a true talent and I’m glad you are able to turn your time and energy completely to something you clearly love to do. … You have a lot to offer the world.

I enjoyed your web page very much. Having owned a few signed Tiffany lamps and having seen about two dozen of his religious and residential leaded glass windows, I can relate to the sophistication in your work. Beyond that, I believe your work is very special because it doesn’t try to look like Tiffany; you have your own look and it’s very appealing. You have created rather than copied.

I came across your incredible work by doing research for a stained glass web site I am working on. … I am glad you are focusing your attention on your art. It is apparent to me that you are listening to your heart because the expression of your creations shouts volumes.

I have never been so moved by stained glass as I am with yours.

I happened across your electronic portfolio while browsing the AISG website. I am amazed at how evolved your work is beyond any I’ve seen. I have been a designer, teacher and student of stained glass for over 15 years.

Your “Crane” piece is one of the nicest I’ve ever seen. Well balanced, perfect composition, clean design. Wow.

I would like to say how much I admire your work. I have seen it in magazines, postcards and on the web and it’s really unique in it’s attention to detail!