I loved finding hidden figures and objects in the shapes of the clouds. A dog, Mickey mouse’s head, an arrow – the more creative you are, the more you find.

When I create abstract panels, I look for shapes emerging the same way I looked to the sky when I was a kid. I do my best to not become attached to them and let the work evolve. As I worked on this mixed media glass piece, two figures arose that I just could not cover. For a time, I toyed with enhancing them to make them more apparent. But in the end, I decided to leave them vague.

The piece is named Verklempt, which means overcome with emotion. The name is for the figures and objects I can see in the piece.

Each panel is 48″ tall by 20″ wide. The diptych is created from mixed media and reclaimed glass mounted on wood panels and hung with french cleats.

2022 held some surprises for me that brought up intense emotion: joy of the highest order to grief at my deepest levels.

So I did the only thing I know how to do – I threw all of it onto a panel. All the light. All the dark. The bumpy texture, the smooth silky finish. It’s all right there, saying what I still can’t quite articulate.

This piece is called “the Catalyst.” It’s a launch-off point to a completely different way of moving through life. It’s the recognition of a joyous gift that has begun a transformation within me that hasn’t fully come to fruition just yet.

The Catalyst is a mixed media and mounted glass on a wood panel substrate. The overall dimensions are 28″ x 32″. It arrives unframed but ready to hang on french cleats. For those that wish to frame the piece, I recommend a canvas floater frame.

The process was a delight. First, I requested photographs of some of the other art and furniture already collected for the space. Once I had a sense of the scale and color palette, I created several renderings of concepts for their consideration.

We landed on a diptych, which would be easier to ship and install than one large piece. The diptych was designed to be the exact width of the bed once installed. Each panel measured 24″ x 38.” We picked up colors from the other art and responded to the fantastic landscape featured in the corner window. We also selected framing that would echo the other artwork in the room.

Because of the installation location over the bed, the work was over engineered. Each panel is installed with french cleats rated for 300+ pounds. Further the glass is laminated and set with 20+ hidden anchors on each panel. The frame is a floating canvas frame and does not bear any of the weight.

I couldn’t be happier with the result. The silver metallics poke through the composition adding eye-catching sparkle. The texture adds interest and dimension to the space.

To accomplish this, I used several shades of green to create a flow which draws your eye around the rim and into the center. The green is broken with large veins of russet and brought to life with rose copper.

It kind of feels like the supply chain is trying to be the Grinch that stole Christmas.

BUT . . . one-of-a-kind gifts that are made right here in the USA are available and ready to make gift recipients swoon!

From statement jewelry to unique home decor, my online shop has small gift items that are ready to ship. These items can’t be found anywhere else – I make and sell them directly to you.

Free shipping within the continental US is included with every purchase.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Since 1976, B~Framed Galleries Fine Art & Custom Framing has brought the most distinguished craftsmanship and international fine art to the Chippewa Valley

Located in the heart of historic downtown Eau Claire, the two-story gallery features a combination of Wisconsin & international artists, local photography, and an ever-changing collection of 3D artwork.

Cynthia Wing-Reed
313 S Barstow Street
Eau Claire, WI 54701
(715) 832-4476 (phone)

Gallery Hours:

Tuesday through Friday: 10 am to 5pm

Saturday: 10 am to 3 pm

Monday: Appointments Online

Closed on Sunday

If you are in the area, please stop by and thank Cynthia for finding my work. Here’s a preview of some of the work that is in the Gallery. Cynthia can also help you with acquiring other work(s) or commissioning a custom piece for your space.

Yellow is a color I have avoided in the past, but I’m a convert. After several tests and experiments, I was able to create a marigold shade of yellow. I love it so much, I’m already using it in other new works.

This is the Sunset Bowl. It is 12″ diameter and now lives in a beautiful home in Texas.

Of course! This commissioned blush bowl is the lovely result.

11″ diameter.

The piece is created from reclaimed glass and finished in pigment and metallic foil. Each piece undergoes an extensive multi-step process, taking approximately two weeks to create.