Banana Bank | Stained Glass Gallery

The 3 primary colors are of course red, yellow and blue (family, religion, work) – but it is when we mix them we get the oranges, greens and purples (experiences, education, memories) and then we add black and white (good and bad) in a circular motion and that gives us – LIFE

Circles represent shapes. Stained glass is not just color but it requires the ability to shape. However complicated as it may be, a shape must be simplified and at the same time crafted from something as fragile and yet template as glass into something recognizable. My signature shape is a raindrop. I use it in many of my designs and it is the curvature that guides my hand when I am drawing a pattern.

The third representation in my logo are the 3 circles who are my sons – my breaths, my heartbeats and my inspiration.

STAINED GLASS GALLERY

What started as a casual hobby developed into an amazing achievement in the art of stained glass. Leisa started doing stain glass in 1989 and has since placed over 100 windows throughout Belize and a few beyond. She has also done many restorations. Her work can be found in Holy Redeemer, St. John’s Cathedral, Divine Mercy, Ebenezer, Living Waters, St. Anne’s, San Pedro, San Pablo churches as well as in several resorts (most of the rooms at Banana Bank have stained glass windows), restaurants, businesses and private homes.

Leisa is a multi-talented artisan which is the type of mind a stained glass artisan must have. To see the project through from start to finish requires several different skills. Certainly, a good design is a place to start. Designs can be taken from pattern books but Leisa creates her own original designs. That started early on in her career when she took custom orders that ask for “a Moroccan design with a Spanish flair” Stability in installation has to be an early consideration.

Large pieces carry a lot of weight and might have to withstand wind, rain and heat. This brings into play some engineering principles. There are hundreds of types of glass, each with their own qualities. Color is a very large part of the finished piece and has to be considered in the early planning. Stained glass colors are far different when they are seen flat on a table rather than when the sun ignites them into blazes of color.

The actual working process of stained glass is too complicated to describe here but after all the preparations have been done the actual cutting, fitting, soldering and finishing takes extreme patience and commitment. There is no way to “hurry up” this art form, that is unless you have a large supply of triple antibiotic, cotton balls and band aids. Flying bits of glass dust lodged in the eyeball is a painful reminder to be careful, patient and organized. Loose scraps laying around are not allowed.

It is a joy to create something that partners with God and his light. Surely when God said “Let there be light” He had the stained glass artisan in mind.

Phone 669 0593

leisa@bananabank.com

Every home or business, almost without exception can be enlivened with a stained glass piece in a door, window or interior panel. You name the subject and Leisa will bring your vision to life with a one of a kind design. Her unique inner dimension of creativity has spanned a wide range of subjects and both useful and decorative pieces. Lamps, planters, windows and doors are some of her creations.

To receive an award that is a piece of art as well as a cherished memory of a hard-fought achievement is the inspiration for the awards Leisa has designed for several organizations and associations in Belize. This was a truly unique and original idea that has gained in popularity.

The heavenly light that falls on those who come to fellowship with the Lord and his people is so much a part of the Christian faith that few churches are without stained glass windows. Leisa has designed and completed stained glass windows in many churches in Belize. Her work can be found in Holy Redeemer, St. John’s Cathedral, Divine Mercy, and Ebenezer in Belize City, St. Anne’s in Punta Gorda.

The history of stained glass in churches goes back for centuries. Getting the message across in beautiful sunlit creations was an effective way to imprint and impress those who maybe were not able or willing to study the word. Leisa started her journey way back in 1989 when by chance the San Antonio church in Punta Gorda had her make 14 windows. Since, she has made windows for many churches throughout the country including Living Waters and St. Annes in Belmopan, San Perdo and San Pablo churches in San Pedro, Holy Redeemer, Divine Mercy, Ebenezer among others in Belize City.

San Pablo in San Pedro, and Living Waters Fellowship Church near Roaring Creek on the YWAM road.

The beauty of a gift of stained glass is not just the gift itself, it is the thought of you that will brush the mind of that special person every time they enjoy the brilliance of a piece of the sun in their life.