Master Glass Artist • Escondido, California
Transforming Light, Glass & Metal into Timeless Public Art
For over five decades, James Stone has pursued the ancient craft of glassblowing with relentless passion. His work stands at the intersection of traditional Venetian techniques and contemporary artistic vision, creating pieces that capture and transform light in ways that inspire wonder.
As the owner of Stone and Glass in Escondido, California for over 14 years, James has become a cornerstone of San Diego's artistic community. His public art installations grace hospitals, universities, resorts, and civic spaces across the nation.
Beyond his artistic practice, James is committed to passing on his knowledge to the next generation through workshops, mentorship programs, and collaborative community projects that engage students and emerging artists.
UCSD Eighth College
A groundbreaking collaboration between master glass artist James Stone and UC San Diego students. These 10 functional art benches, crafted from aluminum and luminous glass using James's signature cut-and-cast method, now permanently grace the Eighth College campus.
Restoration & Repair
Cracked, chipped, broken, or fading? With over 50 years at the furnace, James Stone repairs and restores treasured glass — from heirloom stained-glass windows to one-of-a-kind blown-glass art — bringing damaged pieces back to life for clients across San Diego County and beyond.
Step 1
Start a conversation and share photos of the piece and the damage — no obligation.
Step 2
James reviews your piece and gives you an honest assessment and a clear price.
Step 3
Your glass is repaired by hand, with five decades of craftsmanship and care.
Step 4
Convenient local pickup and delivery available throughout San Diego County.
Heirloom windows, blown-glass art, chandeliers, fused panels — if it’s glass, James can help.
Publications
An intimate memoir chronicling one artist's transformative journey from addiction to enlightenment through the ancient art of glassblowing. A raw, honest exploration of creativity, recovery, and finding purpose.
Buy the Book
The story of an unprecedented collaboration between a master glass artist and eight UC San Diego students, documenting the creation of artistic benches that now serve as permanent public art on campus.
Buy the BookRecognition
Handmade Business Magazine
San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles Magazine
San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Fine Art
San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Fine Art
Beverly Hills Affaire in the Gardens
Training
2013
Pilchuck Glass School, Stanwood, WA
2009
Eugene Glass School, Eugene, OR
2007
Viccalo Studios, Van Nuys, CA
1990
Pilchuck Glass School, Stanwood, WA
1990
Palomar College, San Diego, CA
1974
Fairleigh Dickinson University, NJ
Stone & Glass Commissions
A piece made by hand for your space, your occasion, or someone you love. Whether it’s a monumental public installation, a private collection piece, or a memorial, James Stone brings five decades of mastery to every commission. Repair services and artistic consultations also available.
What People Say
"I took one glass blowing class with James and got hooked! After a while he let me come up with anything I wanted to build, I started trying to incorporate penguins into anything! They all turned out amazing and I love each piece. Best glass blowing experience ever! "
"His thread started with the wire (electric) that his father began mastering. and then on, you keep unrolling the thread, and discover at each turn a new twist in his life, a new connection. Glass is made of a goeey material, and so many ingredients and colors enter in its comp..."
"Reading The Glass Thread is like traveling through time with James, as he relives the amazing events in his life. James has a very casual, down-to-earth style of storytelling that makes you feel like you’re traveling with a dear friend. Using colorful and accessible language..."
"“The Glass Thread”, a memoir by James Stone, is a story so unique, so improbable, that somebody just had to write it up. Luckily, James made the time and made the effort. This is a story of how a self-professed “difficult” child, growing up essentially in a swamp, char..."
"This is a good read if you are interested in how the mind of a creative/innovative/naive person works. It is essentially a series of short stories about the amazing and sometimes crazy adventures James creates for himself. The stories are well written and push the reader to fi..."
