These are the hand painted, multi-layered, kiln-formed inch-thick glass panels by Paul Messink. I love how mysterious and inviting they are. The effect formed by the multiple painted layers gives them an amazing depth and a sense of distance.

“Looking at nature for inspiration, I create scenes which often include bare trees. I like bare trees because of their minimalism, and because they reveal a great deal of character.”

Believe it or not, Messink, now 62, is a relative newcomer to the world of glass art. Mostly self taught, he has nonetheless been winning awards at glass shows across the country for this (this second career) since his entrance on the scene in 2010.

Messink says that his artwork is a metaphor for his life. When he quit his successful IT project management career seven years ago to pursue glass art full time, he says he could see the steps he had to take, but the eventual outcome of those steps was unclear.  His foggy, receding landscapes are a visual representation of his uncertainty about the future. I feel you, brother!

All images property of Paul Messink.