Nestled in a converted barn studio in Dundee, Oregon, artist Peter Leighton transforms glass into luminous portraits that evoke emotion, curiosity, and depth, all without a drop of paint. A longtime creative spirit with a professional background in science and nutrition, Peter’s journey into fused glass portraiture has been one of intuition, experimentation, and artistic discovery.
"Photo collection courtesy of Peter Leighton"
As he prepares to open his studio for this year’s Art Harvest Studio Tour, Peter welcomed AAYC for a conversation about his creative process, inspiration, and how art and light have shaped his world.
“I use glass the way others might use paint.”
Peter’s medium is fused glass portraiture. This intricate, layered process involves
Photo courtesy of Peter Leighton
cutting, outlining, composing, and firing glass to create images that glow with light and personality. Unlike more traditional methods, Peter’s work doesn’t rely on brushes or pigments.
“I create portraiture-type work without paint, using glass and heat to create imagery,” he explains. “I start with a clear sheet of Tecta glass, then use glass paint to outline the image. From there, I place cut or broken pieces of colored glass onto the surface and fuse it all in the kiln.”
The process allows for texture, translucency, and layers of depth. His current kiln can accommodate works up to 30 by 17 inches, which defines the scale of his pieces but not his ambition.
“I’m exploring the idea of collaborating with metal fabricators so I can frame multiple panels together,” he adds. “That could open the door to larger, even outdoor installations. Something sculptural, maybe even for a garden space.”
A Barn Becomes a Studio and a Classroom
Peter’s workspace is located on the second floor of a barn on his property, where he’s built out a full studio. During the Art Harvest Studio Tour, he invites guests inside to see not only finished pieces but works in progress.
“I had people come through last year and was able to show them various stages of the process, what goes into it, how it’s built. I love that part. As a tour patron, I always enjoyed learning about how things are made, so I want to offer that same experience.”
That hands-on sharing, Peter says, is central to his journey not just as an artist but as a communicator and lifelong learner.
The Role of Light, Color, and Spirituality
Peter draws inspiration from both the natural world and the spiritual realm. Buddhas, peaceful figures,
Photo courtesy of Peter Leighton
and quiet emotional states often find their way into his compositions. Light plays a vital role in how his pieces are perceived.
“The way light passes through the glass, or how it reflects, is part of the art. That’s why I sometimes incorporate lighting or backlighting into my pieces. It enhances the whole experience.”
His recent work includes explorations in quasi-cubism, a style he’s adopted to suit the fluid and unpredictable nature of fused glass.
“You can’t get photorealism with this medium. The glass shifts when it’s fired. Shapes soften, edges move. So, I’ve been inspired by Picasso and others who work in abstraction. That way, I’m not fighting the medium. I’m working with it.”
Art Without Waste
One of the many unexpected beauties of Peter’s practice is its recyclability. “Mistakes” aren’t failures. They’re material.
Photo courtesy of Peter Leighton
“About 25 percent of what I create doesn’t turn out how I envisioned,” he says. “But I don’t throw it away. I’ll cut it down, crush it, or repurpose it into a new piece. Everything can be reused.”
That sustainable cycle aligns with his experimental mindset. Peter doesn’t come from a formal art background and he avoids overly technical instruction in favor of learning by doing.
“I’m more intuitive. I don’t always follow the technical firing schedules. I experiment. I play. And that’s how I learn what’s possible.”
From Business to Glass
Peter is a lifelong creative who discovered his ideal medium only in the past few years. His professional background is in biotechnology and human nutrition. He develops nutraceutical products and natural compounds for health science..
“There’s a fine line between science and art. You’re dealing with systems, variables, and outcomes, but also vision and expression. The logic and creativity are deeply connected.”
Fused glass, for Peter, is where those two forces meet.
Advice to Emerging Artists: Just Try
When asked what advice he’d give to emerging artists, Peter is quick to respond.
“Don’t worry about doing it ‘right.’ Creativity isn’t about perfection. It’s about exploration. I’ve had friends and family say they’re not creative, but once they step into the studio and just try, they realize they are.”
His goal is to help demystify the art-making process and remove the fear many people carry when approaching creativity.
“It’s not about having talent from day one. It’s about showing up, making something, and discovering what’s possible.”
Looking Ahead: More Time, More Art
Now semi-retired, Peter spends around five hours a week in his studio, with plans to increase that as he winds down other professional commitments.
“I’ve got one more business project I’m wrapping up. Once that’s done, I want to spend more time creating and maybe commercialize my work a bit more. Not to make a living, but to help cover supplies.”
Photo courtesy of Peter Leighton
That pragmatic view doesn’t dull the joy he finds in his creative life. With every new piece, Peter refines his voice, explores new forms, and deepens his relationship with the material.
Dreaming of a Broader Art Presence in the Community
As Peter becomes more connected with the local arts community, he envisions expanded opportunities for artists to share their work. Drawing inspiration from his time in California, where art and wine festivals brought people together, he sees potential for similar events in Yamhill County.
“This area is already known for its wine and farm-to-table experiences. I think there’s an opportunity to integrate art into that mix more intentionally,” he says. “It would be great to have more events where local artists, musicians, and food producers can come together to celebrate the creative energy of this region.”
Peter believes that bringing art into public-facing, communal spaces could help deepen appreciation for the talent that exists throughout the area.
Soundtrack to the Studio
When asked whether his art has a soundtrack or if music plays a role in his creative process, Peter paused thoughtfully before answering.
“I don’t have one specific soundtrack,” he said. “But music is definitely part of the atmosphere in my studio. I have a great sound system set up, and depending on the mood, I’ll put on something mellow, maybe some classic rock or classical music.”
He mentioned Radio Paradise as one of his favorite internet stations, especially their mellow mix, which he often streams while working.
“It really depends on the headspace I’m in,” Peter explained. “Sometimes it’s Tom Petty, sometimes it’s something instrumental. Music helps keep me grounded in the rhythm of creating, but it’s more about the feeling than any one artist or song.”
Final Surprise
What often surprises visitors to Peter’s studio is that he’s only been working in fused glass for about five years. Without formal art training, he’s developed a distinctive style through exploration, intuition, and hands-on learning.
His background in science and business didn’t predict this creative turn, but Peter embraced the shift with curiosity and commitment. A chance encounter with stained glass, followed by a workshop inspired by a documentary, opened the door to a completely new form of expression.
“I didn’t grow up making art,” he says. “But once I found this medium, it just made sense.”
Peter’s story is a reminder that creative expression doesn’t require a head start—just a willingness to begin.
Visit Peter Leighton’s studio during this year’s Art Harvest Studio Tour to see his process up close. Learn more about Peter’s work at https://www.buddhajudah.com or by contacting AAYC.
Stay tuned for upcoming AAYC initiatives, and new ways to celebrate artists like Peter throughout our region.