Did you learn from the masters?
I am mainly self-taught, but I did a month-long apprenticeship program at Vetrate Artistiche Toscane atelier, managed by brothers Gianni and Massimo Bracciali. I learned religious stained glass techniques and glass painting there. Best spring of my life!
What is your source of inspiration?
Nature, art and the works of the masters like Louis Comfort Tiffany (after whom the Tiffany technique is named), John La Farge and René Lalique. Most Tiffany lamps are floral-themed, so I’ve collected a library of botanical books and relevant albums to get inspired by.
©Sergei Sherbak
Do you remember the very first object you made?
I remember the second one, it was a suncatcher. I posted a photo of it online and received constructive criticism from a stranger. If I think about it, the woman who gave me feedback was actually my first teacher, and I am forever grateful to her.
Please tell us about your technique.
I work with various techniques: classic (leaded stained glass), fusing, Tiffany method and a combination of all of them. The Tiffany method is my favourite: it uses copper foil wrapping instead of cumbersome lead panels, great for working on small details.