Stained glass is an ancient art, but never static. It traverses centuries, styles, and cultures to offer a unique experience: that of light sculpted by glass. Today, this art is experiencing a remarkable revival in French-speaking Switzerland, driven by passionate workshops and schools that pass on a rare know-how. For the Velenia association, committed to promoting symbolic arts and inspiring practices, stained glass represents an ideal bridge between craftsmanship, sacred geometry, and the quest for meaning.
A living art, between tradition and modernity
Stained glass immediately evokes color, light, and great human works. The Swiss School of Stained Glass and Creation reminds us that this art can bewonderful, humble, decorative, or geometric, and that it requires a trained hand with meticulous gestures, sensitive to materials and respectful of glass. The Stained Glass Workshop, based in Clarens, emphasizes that stained glass is all around us: in churches, of course, but also in Art Nouveau doors, cafes, Tiffany lamps, or contemporary architectures.
Today, stained glass is no longer just a heritage element: it becomes a decorative object, a modern architectural element, an infinite artistic medium.
Sacred geometry: a universal language in glass
Sacred geometry transcends dogmas and borders. It explores universal proportions, such as thegolden ratio,thePlatonic solids, or theFlower of Life. Applied to stained glass, it becomes a powerful medium of expression:
Harmony of formsCircles, triangles, pentagrams: the regulating lines structure the visual space and create a deep sense of balance.
Diffusion of lightColored glass modulates natural light, creating spaces for concentration, meditation, or well-being.
Cultural neutralityGeometric and abstract patterns speak to everyone, without reference to a cult or ideology. They invite universal, accessible, and soothing contemplation.
For Velenia, who works to create inspiring and symbolic spaces, geometric stained glass is an ideal medium: it connects art, light, and the inner dimension.
Where to learn stained glass near you?
Good news: the Romandy region is full of places to discover this fascinating art.
Swiss School of Stained Glass and Creation – Monthey (VS)
A unique place in Switzerland, dedicated to stained glass and flat glass decoration.
The school offers:
introductorycourses,
summerworkshops,
professionaltrainingleading to the diploma of glassmaker-creator,
glass painting workshops. It offers high-quality teaching, guided by master glassmakers and established artists.
Stained Glass Workshop – Clarens (VD)
Just 20 minutes from Lutry, the Stained Glass Workshop offers:
variouscourses for the public starting at age 15,
introductions to traditional stained glass,
explorations of various techniques: grisaille, fusing, sandblasting, thermoforming, collage, etc. The workshop is also specialized incustom creationand therestoration of ancient stained glass..
These two places are ideal entry points to get acquainted with sacred geometry in glass, develop an artistic practice, or simply experience a luminous moment.
Why stained glass resonates with Velenia's vision
The Velenia association works towards creating symbolic, calming, and meaningful spaces. Stained glass naturally fits into this approach:
Ithonors light, a central element of many spiritual traditions.
Itinvites contemplation, slowness, and attention.
Itblends craftsmanship and inner expression, a balance cherished by Velenia.
It allows for the creation ofcontemporary sacred spaces, accessible to all.
Stained glass is not just a decorative object: it is an experience. A vibration. A way to let light tell a story.
An art to rediscover.
Whether you are an art lover, passionate about symbolism, or simply curious, stained glass is an open door to a rich, luminous, and deeply human universe. Thanks to theSwiss School of Stained Glassand theStained Glass Workshop, you can learn this art near you, explore sacred geometry, and create unique pieces that enhance your living space.
For Velenia, stained glass is more than a craft: it is a way to celebrate light, beauty, and harmony.