Lewis Chessman Stained Glass

2016

sculpey, stained glass, & wire

5"x 7"

I modeled this small piece after one of the Lewis Chessmen—one of the oldest complete chess sets ever found. It dates back to the 12th century and was discovered on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland. You can check out more info from National Museums Scotland here.

I'm fascinated with the faces of these pieces. They're all locked into a state of existential astonishment. Surprise, dismay, contemplative, full of dignity and duty. A sense of horror and humor all at once. Watching fate play out with no hand in the matter.

A few years back, I got my hands on a lot of stained glass at an auction and started experimenting with framing it. Somewhere in that process, this piece emerged.