Keith Deman Studio

Today we are celebrating Christmas, and it all started when Mary knew that she was the chosen one to carry the Messiah.

This two metre wide by one and a half metre high stained glass narrates this scene. The moment when the archangel visited Mary and, through the Holy Spirit, was conceived by the Son of God.

It is such an honour that this painted piece is situated behind an altar in a chapel at Floriana, where light illuminates the entire place and creates a unique reflection experience. This serves exactly its purpose as the chapel opens its doors a few times a week for adoration.

It wasn’t just a commissioned piece; it was a learning curve about the craft itself of stained glass and painting techniques. Even how the concept evolved to create deeper meaning and to engage the audience in reflection.

J is for January or ‘Jannar’ as we speak our mother language.

Here are some gifts I have created for this festive season. Most of them are initials and conjunction of two letters into one, which was painted and fired on coloured glass; then drilled, and a braided jute was inserted as a hanging point. The last image shows a bauble where I painted a robin whistle ‘Happy Christmas’ on textured glass, a small project which I loved working on.

Last year, I did several experimental works in which I learned a lot, and I am eagerly looking forward to the creative journey this year will bring!