This month we are profiling glass artist Klaus Brucksch.
Master glass artisan Klaus has recently completed the restoration of a damaged stained‑glass window inside St Saviour’s Anglican Church. Originally crafted in 1985 by Innisfail artist Mrs Chris Oswald, the window holds special significance—it was the final piece she created before losing her sight shortly afterwards.
The window’s silky oak frame, produced in Cairns, required extensive steaming to achieve its distinctive curved shape. Recently, the central panel suffered substantial damage, with around 80% of its glass shattered. Rebuilding this section from scratch, Klaus dedicated two months to the restoration, meticulously recreating the original design and colour palette so the repaired portion blends seamlessly with Mrs Oswald’s work.
Klaus’s craftsmanship is also featured in the church’s Centenary Window. In this piece, he honours community figures instrumental in the church’s history, including Daniel Patience, who purchased the land in the first auction in 1902, and Joseph Campbell, whose payment of overdue rates ensured the land remained in church hands.
Klaus’s profile as follows:
Can you describe your artistic style. What is your preferred medium, and why? Art Deco, Cubism. Stained Glass and Free Style Lapidary
What motivates you as an artist – Creativity and Working with Colours
Describe the best piece of art you have created – ‘Riverland’ a Fused & Painted Stained Glass Window of an Aboriginal Design.
What artists inspire you, and where do you find inspiration? – Chagall, Picasso, Dali. Nature, Philosophy.
How do you learn new skills and/or techniques? Study, Workshops, Self-taught
What has been the most challenging and rewarding part of being an artist – Challenge: Making enough money to have a comfortable lifestyle. Reward: Freedom in Thoughts and Decision Making, Acknowledgement of my Quality.
What do you like to do when you’re not creating art? Travel
Can you describe your studio/workspace and your favourite time of day to create. Studio size is about 20 sq metres, Daytime.
What is your favourite tool that you can’t do without? Glass Cutter, Polishing Machine
Do you think art is important in society? Extremely important, Art reflects the Society in which we live. Art is an expression of inner conflicts, but also an admiration of the beauty of life.