Studio 214
Marie Jeanne Haba
Marie Jeanne Haba
Medium: Stained Glass and Multimedia art
Artist Statement:
Thirteen years ago, I picked up a piece of stained glass and felt something magical I can’t quite put into words. At first, I made pretty flowers, borrowing inspiration from other artists. But let’s be honest, in those early days, my work felt… borrowed. I was seeking a unique voice, but at that point, it seemed elusive.
Then, one day, a mistake happened—a beautiful mistake. I stumbled upon “Habaism” – a combination of traditional stained glass with a unique glass-on-glass technique. This technique involves layering glass on glass, creating a depth and luminosity, unlike anything I’d seen before. This was a revelation. I had found a medium that resonated with my spirit and allowed my creativity to shine. My art was no longer an imitation but a reflection of me.
However, the true essence of my artistry came when I traveled back home to Guinea Conakry. Our women, the backbone of our nation, became my muses. Think about it: what’s more powerful than a woman with a story? Incredibly, that story is sculpted with love, pain, dreams, and resilience. So I thought, “Why not take those tales, those daily snippets of life, and turn them into art using glass?
Guinea Conakry is not just a place; it’s a mix of stories, emotions, struggles, and triumphs. The women of my country, in particular, are a source of unending inspiration. Their resilience and grace fuel my creations. This isn’t just about glass or technique; it’s about people’s everyday lives. It’s about highlighting the beauty of my country and educating people on different lives and cultures they are not familiar with.
My newfound inspiration transformed my approach to art. Earlier, I drew from others’ works, trying to replicate the beauty I saw in their creations. Now, I have a wealth of inspiration right in front of me. I look around me at the faces and stories of my people and think, “Let me show the world our beauty.”
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: Art isn’t just about pretty designs. It’s about resonance. While I still draw inspiration from other artists, it’s no longer about imitation. It’s about taking that spark and molding it with my experiences and the stories surrounding me.
