Meet Sharon Whelton | Modern Stained Glass Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sharon Whelton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sharon, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
When I first began working with stained glass in the spring of 2019, I was a restaurant manager with very little time to devote to my craft and even less to my well-being. As the pandemic dragged on into 2020, I realized that I needed to put my health first. I knew that taking up stained glass as a full-time profession would mean long hours in the studio but also the freedom to balance work with life on my own terms. It’s resulted in significantly less stress, more time spent with my husband and a happier, healthier me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I never wanted to be a stained glass artist in the traditional sense of the craft – designing church windows or doors for luxury homes. Instead, I have endeavored to create modern designs that are both appealing and accessible.

It’s a constant struggle to define myself as either an artist or a small business owner. Do I repeatedly make what sells or make art for art’s sake? I’ve learned that there must be a balance between the two to avoid burnout while still paying the bills.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Create Birmingham has been a beacon of support and encouragement. The Build-a-Boat mini conference was a particularly wonderful program that guided me through the pandemic, enabling me to create a solid plan to ensure that my business survived.

Website: https://sharonwhelton.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/sharonwheltonglass

Facebook: https://facebook.com/sharonwheltonglass

Image Credits
Professional photos taken by Aly Hansen