Ted Schneider

As a teenager, Ted worked as a ranger in Northern Ontario, blazing trails and maintaining provincial parks. These experiences deepened his understanding of and respect for the wilderness, laying the foundation for the themes that would later define his artistic practice.

In his early twenties, Ted began his professional journey in glass. He spent fifteen years designing, fabricating, restoring, and installing stained glass windows for prominent churches throughout Canada, Jamaica, and Australia. During this time, he gained extensive knowledge of traditional stained glass techniques, studying the methods of master craftsmen while working through every stage of the process. He later led restoration and fabrication departments for major stained glass studios and pursued advanced glass studies at the Ontario College of Art & Design, where he collaborated on private commissions with renowned glass artist and educator Gundar Robez.

Over more than 35 years as a professional glass artist, Ted has continuously expanded his practice by incorporating other materials and disciplines into his work. Drawn to metalworking and welding, he began creating free-standing sculptures that combine glass with steel, wood, and natural stone. His time living in Australia introduced him to a vibrant new landscape of color, flora, and fauna, further enriching his artistic perspective.

After returning to Canada and exploring the mountains and coastline of the West Coast, Ted found renewed inspiration in the grandeur of the landscape. This influence is reflected in his signature sculptural works, which often feature iconic wildlife—grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and fish—interwoven with mountain forms and natural imagery. Through these pieces, he seeks to express a profound respect for both land and animal, merging the strength of earthy materials with the luminous beauty of glass.

Ted's work is characterized by its innovative approach to stained glass and sculpture, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Continually pushing beyond conventional stained glass practices, he remains passionate about creating original works that challenge expectations and celebrate the natural world. For Ted, the greatest reward lies not only in the creation of art but also in collaborating closely with clients to bring their unique visions to life through truly one-of-a-kind pieces.