Amina Mammadova

Glass painter

Kamal Muradzadeh©Michelangelo Foundation

Heart and colour

Amina paints vivid compositions on glass objects
She developed her understanding of colour to make her work stand out
In the past she also worked with ceramics, carpets and canvas

Amina Mammadova best expresses her creativity in painting on glass. Before settling on this craft however, she had ventured into ceramics, carpet weaving and even textile work. And yet, after making a glass plate with patterns typically seen on Azerbaijani carpets, it was stained glass that won her heart. Stained glasswork is still an emerging craft in Azerbaijan,so when she started out, Amina had to delve into encyclopaedias to research patterns and colour compositions on her own. Today she finds inspiration in tapestry art, carvings and other decorative art. Amina has created an impressive collection of stained glass objects, including fruit vases, sugar bowls and clocks. Following her research, she has developed a deep understanding of colour matching principles, which is reflected in her vibrant compositions.

Interview

Kamal Muradzadeh©Michelangelo Foundation

Kamal Muradzadeh©Michelangelo Foundation

When did you first think of picking up this craft?: After graduating, I decided that I wanted to be a stained glass maker. I bought paints used by amateurs and started working. I created my first work which emerged as a great piece from the very beginning. It was good on my first try. I then scoured different patterns by studying them from encyclopedias and other art forms.
Do you master any specific techniques?: I work with a plastic contour which acts as a barrier between two colours. In the absence of this contour, the colours may flow and mix. I also use needles to draw thinner lines and create metallic effects.
What does a well made stained glass mean to you?: If a creation has repetition and accuracy, I can say it is well crafted. But nobody enjoys creating patterns on a small glass because the sketches are so tiny. You need skills and experience to draw the same shapes repeatedly on a cup or vase.
What is your process for making stained glass?: I choose an item. I decide on the composition and sketch the pattern for it on paper. I measure the glass and find out how many times the drawing can fit on the glass. After drawing over the decoration with a white pencil, I cut it. Then I draw borders with gold-coloured contours. I paint the pattern. In the end, I cook the glass at 180°C for 5 minutes.

Amina Mammadova is a master artisan: she began her career in 2013 and she started teaching in 2017