“Masters of Glass and Wood”... Bill and Sandy Fifield, an artistic collaboration for over 40 years, craft vivid stained glass panels, glass and wood sculpture, and custom designed wood furniture in their mountain studio.  

Sandy’s stained glass, exhibiting intricacy unapproached by lesser artisans, is facilitated by her background as a maker of fine jewelry, and by the her revival of the “copper foil” method of stained glass construction.  This painstaking technique permits the exquisite delicacy for which Sandy’s hummingbirds, landscapes, and florals have become known.  Also a master beveler, years of technical refinement lie behind the graceful swirls, elegant detail, and gleaming highlights in her Art Nouveau, Victorian, or frankly contemporary panels and her delicate beveled sculptures.

Many of her windows are showcased by hardwood frames crafted by Bill, but they only suggest what magic is possible when the Fifield’s work together on a project.  Massive doors, custom designed by Bill, with Sandy’s colorful stained glass or clear, hand-beveled lights, grace opulent homes in various parts of the country.  In many cases, these doors lead through formal foyers illuminated by Sandy’s stained glass, to interiors featuring pieces of Bill’s furniture: custom designed to exacting client specifications, and precisely executed in exotic hardwoods.

Bill, as much designer as artist and craftsman, delights in “solving problems with wood”—meeting sometimes incongruous client desires with a harmonious, mechanically sound, and aesthetically satisfying solution.  From the mysterious allure and quiet power of his gargoyle bas-relief panels, to the clean grace of a simple table, cabinet, or bookcase, there is no question that Bill Fifield has a way with wood.

The Fifield’s, gifted artists as well in pencil, pen and ink, do mostly commissioned pieces; they find working in close harmony with their client’s needs to be both challenging and satisfying.  Their collaboration represents the rare combination of architect, artist, and craftsman.  Individually and collectively, they possess the soul and imagination to create pieces of beauty and sensitivity, the design sense to produce lasting utility, and the respect for technical skill to execute these works with masterful confidence and flair. 

Mark Buchanan