League

I have been a stained-glass designer for over 40 years and credit
my success and love of the medium to my ability to draw. Everything
about creating stained glass—its integral structure and
the shape of each piece of glass, which develops the beauty of the
whole—has its foundation in drawing and makes a window compelling
or not. Drawing from nude models was the best way for me, as a
young person, to learn to draw and to see. The Art Students League
gave me the time, space, and freedom to build the skills that have
supported my artistic dreams.
Almost 50 years have passed since my first Saturday classes and
even now, as I walk through the Art Students League’s timeless portal,
I am welcomed by a historic and collective sense of encouragement.
It always feels that way; that is why I visit. The only thing that
has changed over the years is the growing collection of paint spatters
that grace the studio floors.
tallpoppy@sbcglobal.net
A Portal to
Stained Glass
Vivian Nast Faulkner
Each time I visit New York City, I am drawn to the north side
of 57th between 7th and 8th Avenues, to the Art Students
League. I tell myself that I want to see the exhibits, to see
what kind of art is happening, but it’s really something more intangible
that attracts me.
I started taking life drawing classes at the League when I was 12,
on Saturday mornings, when I would ride the subway into the city by
myself. Carrying my sketch paper and conte crayons, charcoal, and
pencils, I would make my way into the building feeling like I was
entering a unique portal. Moving through the foyer to the studios
wasn’t just a time warp (although its history does begin to melt the
edges of your reality). As an artist, to be in a place that is dedicated
purely to creating art and is essentially without rules or requirements,
is like traveling to a distant shore where you can spend time with
your muse and explore and realize, unfettered, the landscape of your
gift. I loved going there and I learned a lot.
36 LINES from the League