Rocking my Rock Window

Image 1: Agate Geode Rock Window by Jeanne Selep, backlit by sunlight

I made my Agate Geode Rock Window during the pandemic, and I can honestly say it changed my life!  (details near end...)

Image 2: Detail view of Agate Rock Window

I had a collection of agate geode rock slices purchased over decades that I wanted to display or use somehow.  Inspired by Sigmar Polke's stained glass windows in Zurich, Switzerland (see below), I decided to use my agate slices to create a window of my own.  This way, I could actually use my collection of rock slices instead of storing them wrapped in dusty bubble wrap in a crumbled brown paper bag in a brown box. (Can anyone relate?)

Image 3: Agate Rock Slice Window on a Snowy Day

This was going to be a fast project, using a repurposed vintage window I already owned.  I was not attempting Polke's stained glass masterpiece, constructed to last for centuries; and I wasn't going to cut stones to fill in every square inch, either. 

Image 4: Auditioning Rocks for my Window

I laid my geode slices out on the window over a light box to "audition" them, only to realize I didn't have enough rock slices.

Image 5: Agate Geode Rick Slice

I went to my favorite rock shop and stained glass store to buy more slices to finish the window.  The available slices were not circular or were too expensive.  I looked on-line - too expensive, and/or you didn't pick what slices you would get.  I tried to see if any of the Gem and Mineral shows would run during the pandemic - (nope).

Image 6: The Comet like slice top right has become a favorite!

Eventually, I went back to a shop and bought inexpensive odd shaped slices, which I didn't really want to use.  (Some of which have since become favorites).  I had wanted to use mostly round circular pieces, and so I placed the best ones near the center of my window.

Image 7: I arranged my favorite slices near the center of the window

Months later the window was finally finished.  I absolutely love how my window glows in different lighting situations and seasons.  I consider it one of my best completed projects.

Image 8: Agate Geode Rock Window by Jeanne Selep

(Here is the how-to...) I prepared the window, and washed the rocks and window very well.  I auditioned and arranged the rocks in a way I liked, using a light box.  (auditioning the rocks for weeks!).  I took a photo of the final arrangement as a reference.  Then I spread clear E6000 glue in a thin coat on the rocks to glue the rocks to the clean window glass, and let the glue dry.  Clear silicon or new resin products would probably work as well.

Image 9: Auditioning even more Rocks for my Window

Below is the most famous of Sigmar Polke's Geode Windows in Zurich, Switzerland that inspired me to attempt this project.  I found his windows on-line and have never seen them in person.   This site here has more pictures and info on Polke's windows, which I hope to see someday!

Image 10: Sigmar Polke's Inspiring Geode Window in Zurich Switerland

 HOW THIS WINDOW CHANGED MY LIFE, for the non-TLDR* crowd. 

So here's the story of how this window has changed my life.  (Deep Breath...)  I had the slices to use, and was inspired by Polke's Windows.  I wasn't entirely satisfied by my selection.  I heard about the Tucson Gem and Mineral show (the world's largest Gem and Mineral show!) because my son visited Tucson.  By then, I had already finished this window, but still wanted to have a better selection of slices (for the next window!).  My nephew lived in Tucson, and graciously let me visit.  I went to the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show.  (End of breath 1).  Days before I left I invited my 20-something daughter to come along.  She said yes.  We went to the show; and also saw the Grand Canyon in the snow, and walked about 3 miles on the Angel Bright trail (in snow!), and visited Saguaro National Park, and Antelope Canyon, and Sedona and more.  And I also skied for the first time in 30+ years.  (Another breath). I fell in love with the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, and plan on seeing more shows.  My daughter now wants to see all the National Parks. So I decided I too would make a goal of trying to see all the National Parks. (Breath) Because I went to the 2023 Tucson show, I have traveled on three other big vacations in 2023 and visited seven National Parks with my daughter; and visited three Canadian National Parks as well with my son and daughter.  More trips are being planned for 2024 and beyond, all because of a dusty bag of rocks being turned into a minor art window!   (End of deep breath.)

* non-TLDR - Fun note:  My daughter informed me that TLDR (originally typed TL;DR) is a acronym for "Too Long; Didn't Read", used by some people as a way to summarize posts.  Apparently TLDR has also morphed into being the header for a summary text at the beginning of articles or e-mails, to summarize for the TLDR crowd what the writing they won't read is about.  I think it's interesting here because when blogging I'm always stressing to keep paragraphs short and compact, and that goal cuts into interesting story telling details and notes.  Blogging styles and skills are constantly evolving for me, and this post in particular is an example of me playing with writing styles.  BTW, I only first heard of TLDR in 2023, LOL! If you read this far into this post, thank you and here is an extra smile for you! 😃

Image 11: Agate Geode Rock Window lit by sunlight

 

Click on the images to see them enlarged.  The details can be stunning!

Leave a comment if you have the time, they brighten my day!

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Angel Window

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Beveled Window

Stained Glass

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