Robert Mark Morgan is a St. Louis-based multidisciplinary artist teaching stage design at Washington University in St. Louis. He’s also a frequent lecturer on the value of creativity at conferences across the U.S. and overseas. We caught up with Morgan to learn more about his newfound interest in the art of stained glass.
Why stained glass?
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During the pandemic, I taught university classes via Zoom, and my set design work for regional theaters in the U.S. was interrupted. I frankly missed “the flow” that occurs when I’m completely absorbed in the creative process, so I sought other avenues. I believe that when you feel out of your depth, that is the place you do something exciting, [and I was] inspired to learn the process of stained glass, starting with the windows in my dining room.
How did you learn the stained glass process?
I watched a number of YouTube videos and had considerable help and gained insights from the associates at Preston Art Glass Studio on Chouteau. I grew up in Austin, Texas, where my parents owned an antique business, and I credit this background as spurring my interest in historical architecture and period pieces. My appreciation of the Prairie/Mission style has infused some of my work, though I really enjoy creating custom pieces for others based on their decor preferences.
Do you use any technology in your work?
I’m able to capitalize on the technology I use to create stage set designs, including AutoCad and Photoshop. Albeit a bit crazy sounding, my work as a stained glass artist really draws on my skills as a scenic designer for theater. Both involve developing, drawing, and executing a design and both entail working with a client to make their ideas visual.
What’s your favorite part of the process?
I relish the construction aspect of each piece, and will work on several projects at once. At the moment, half of what I have produced has been new design and half have been restorations, though one customer has commissioned five different projects, including an intricate oval window for a front door. I do my best to set a reasonable fee by reviewing the complexity and size of the task.
How can someone find you?
I decided to branch out, and knowing the St. Louis area boasts many historic homes with stained glass windows, I figured this could be a business. Word of mouth has been the most effective strategy for gaining new customers, though leaving door hangers in the neighborhood has helped as well. My website, morganstainedglass.com, is a great way to view completed projects and to understand my collaborative process with my customers.
