Kailua Village Artists

Bill learned the art of stained glass 45 years ago, while also working full time and earning a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from Wichita State University and an MBA from the University of Kansas. It was not until he and his wife Kathleen moved to the Big Island in 2004 that he had the luxury to completely immerse himself in the art and stretch his creative capabilities. Since then, he has developed a style and skill evident in every piece he makes; each being an original design created out of beveled and hand cut glass then soldered together using the copper foil method. 

For those new to stained glass techniques, the copper foil method was discovered by Louis Comfort Tiffany -- yes, the same Tiffany as Tiffany lamps and designer jewelry. The technique involves wrapping the edges of each piece of glass in copper foil before soldering the pieces together. It takes longer, but results in a more delicate look while preserving structural integrity. 

Many of Bill’s pieces, such as the “Honu Twins” pictured here on the web site, incorporate bevels and unique background glass. The “Honu Twins” features a special water glass from Oceanside Glass Company. He also features other items related to the Hawaiian Islands along with other non-local works. Fans of his work will be happy to see he has a full range of other favorites – nightlights, sun catchers, and smaller stained-glass panels as well.