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FROM A GRAIN OF SAND is more than just an exhibition; it’s an immersive journey into the intricate world of stainedglass artistry. Through his masterful craftsmanship, Michael Isley delves deep into the rich history and alchemical processes that transform humble sand into breathtaking works of art.

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“My passion lies in the realm of abstract and mosaic designs,” shares Michael Isley, reflecting on his artistic journey. Isley began his relationship with stained-glass while a student at Sawtooth School for Visual Art. He finds the extensive process of creating a design, choosing colors, cutting, grinding, and soldering the glass to be very rewarding

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Drawing inspiration from ancient civilizations to modern-day innovations, Isley’s collection invites viewers to ponder the raw essence of glass - its birth from the earth’s sands. The art of glassmaking traces back over 3,500 years to the ingenious artisans of Mesopotamia and Egypt, who shaped and molded this translucent medium into both practical objects and awe-inspiring masterpieces. Today, modern glassmakers continue this legacy, blending sand (silica), soda ash, limestone, and an array of chemical compounds to orchestrate a symphony of hues and textures that adorn Isley’s stained-glass marvels.