May 2021
New and Upcoming
Jane Brucker Studio
Installation view of Jane Brucker’s Fragile Thoughts at Forest Lawn. Photograph by James Fishburne.
Even though [Judson Studios uses] traditional techniques, we also use contemporary methods. It’s a meeting of these two worlds coming together, and working with a medium that feels authentic and long lasting.
— David Judson (Judson Studios President)
Jane Brucker’s 2018 collaboration with Judson Studios on her artwork, Fragile Thoughts, is featured in a new exhibition chronicled by Smithsonian Magazine, Celebrating America's Oldest Family-Run Stained Glass Studio.
Fragile Thoughts is a sculptural portrait of early 20th century public health advocate, Elizabeth Milbank Anderson. The article highlights both Judson’s fascinating history and what David Judson calls ”the future of stained glass,” found in new relationships with street muralists and conceptual artists, of which Brucker is one. Learn more about this “kaleidoscopically bright” future of stained glass in the full article below.
During her time working with Judson Studios, Brucker found kindred spirits in many of the artisans working with David Judson. She immediately enjoyed both the historical tradition of painting on glass, and learning about new ways to use glass to create relatable objects and visual effects for each of the seven antique chairs used in the piece. The variety of glass techniques incorporated into Brucker’s seven antique chairs captures an intimate and public tale related to public health—past and present.
Fragile Thoughts details by Jane Brucker (from left to right) Medal of Honor, Through a Glass Darkly, Tuberculosis and Diphtheria. Photographs by Kyle J. Mickelson.
On View at
Forest Lawn Museum
JUDSON STUDIOS: STAINED GLASS FROM GOTHIC TO STREET STYLE
APRIL 28 - SEPTEMBER 12, 2021
Jane Brucker’s installation, Fragile Thoughts, is part of the survey exhibition, Judson Studios: Stained Glass from Gothic to Street Style, on view now at Forest Lawn Museum, Glendale, California. The exhibition shows highlights from the history of Judson Studios. Founded in 1897, the historic Los Angeles-based studio has been a leader in the field of stained glass for more than 120 years. The exhibition is open by appointment only.
Memorial Stories
A panel from Jane Brucker’s Memorial Project. Photograph by Brian Forrest.
Jane Brucker is now compiling the stories associated with the articles of clothing that were donated to her ongoing work, Memorial Project (2001-present). These accounts will live in a digital archive entitled Memorial Stories. Currently, Memorial Project includes more than 300 panels created from the shirts, dresses, pants, and clothing donated from families and friends of loved ones who have passed. During the 20 years that Brucker has been working on the project, stories frequently accompanied the donated clothing.
“When someone would give me or send me a shirt, dress, or scarf worn by a recently passed loved one, they would tell me the story of either that particular garment and/or of the person that they remembered,” Brucker said. "The memories and individual attributes that were shared felt poignant and compelling. Often when people sent me the clothing items, they included explanatory notes pinned to the fabric. These narratives told in the words of the sender have always seemed as if they should be part of the larger piece."
If you are interested in sharing the story of a garment that you have given to Brucker in the past as part of Memorial Project, please click below.
