Métis Glass Artist Experiments with Combining Copper and Glass

Michel Labine creates new works blending copper and glass.

Exploring the art of coppersmithing

Labine is best known for his unique, custom stained-glass pieces. His original works are displayed across Canada and around the world. They have been commissioned for the Prime Minister of Canada, the Governor General of Canada, members of Parliament and ministers. Now, the artist from Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, is turning his talents to integrating copper into his stained glass work.

Inspired by the people, environment and cultures of the Eastern Arctic

Michel Labine describes his artistic practice as one that draws from cultural knowledge and beliefs. Labine has strong ties to communities in the area in which he lives and works. Through his art, he strives to share bonds with these cultures, in a spirit of respect for their perspectives, as well as his own memories. With knowledge in blacksmithing, Labine first received a Canada Council grant to experiment with coppersmithing. A subsequent grant supported this continued approach as he further developed his work, creating new pieces that combine copper and glass.