A marvelous Tiffany reproduction Waterlily lamp graces my home, the beautiful work of Scott Riggs.
Having considered the commissioning of a lamp for a while, I called Scott one day, almost on a whim. I had been wrapping up the re-decoration of my apartment, and thought that something was missing. We talked about his work as a stained glass artist, and that of Tiffany, and I even had the courage to broach the subject of pricing. After that, I knew that I would have to do some saving, but that the fantastic colors on his website certainly showed that it would be well worth it.
Perhaps almost half a year later, Scott and I talked again, and the ball was set into motion. I told him that I had decided on a Waterlily, and we discussed further the chromatic palette that I desired for the lamp, as well as possibilities for a lamp base. He put me on his list, and I waited for a while in anticipation of the beginnings of work on my lamp.
Eventually, the wonderful pictures started coming in every few days, showing the kaleidoscopic colors, and the physical positioning of individual pieces of glass in this lamp in embryo. In the arts, some have said that they believe they do their best work when given certain problems to solve, or conditions as to the form and some details of a particular piece. I gave Scott my general ideas, and desired that he would use them as an outline, but never to hinder his artistic expression. I have not, in any way, been sorry for that. (Truly, too, why work with an artist of his caliber and want for anything other than his freedom to use his talents to create something noble and beautiful?)
Upon arrival, I was overwhelmed by the beauty and care of his work. The colors, and their weaving into a whole composition, are magnificent, and are somehow even better than what I hoped for --and my standards were very high! The blues and greens of the confetti glass that comprise the water background are simply stunning! The flowers are gorgeous. The border of blue glass is sublime....like a French blue that wants to become violet! The dappled greens of the lily pads are delightful...
However, words are simply not enough....something like this can only be seen to be truly appreciated.
So, thank you, sir, for being so pleasant to work with, for your labor of love, and for this lamp. I will treasure it always, and I know that it will bring joy to my life, and to that of others!
Thank you for the best possible experience a person could ever hope for when commissioning an artist to create a custom piece of work. My lamp is so much more than I had in mind. You made the entire process of its creation absolutely satisfying by always being accessible, timely, eager to send pictures, willing to listen, and reasonable in costs. The lamp is an object of rare craftsmanship and beauty when in use or waiting to be turned on. You are just great to work with. Again, thank you,
My wife and I commissioned Scott to create a Peony shade for our 45th anniversary. Scott kept us informed through each stage of the production and sent pictures as the work was progressing. He listened to our requests and offered advice each step of the process. Simply stated the final product of Scott’s creative work is absolutely stunning. The fine detail, artistic selection of glass, and final finish on the shade could not have been better. This is not simply a lamp it is a piece of fine art. We want to thank Scott for this beautiful piece of art that will occupy a prominent place in our home, hopefully for many years to come, before being passed down to future generations.
I have been involved with glass since the early 70's, and I can truly say that I have never seen anyone as brilliant in their vision or as technically skilled in their execution as Scott Riggs. The passion he has for his art shows in every aspect of his work, which is consistently breathtaking! Every piece of glass is perfectly chosen, and the sophistication of the work rivals Tiffany down to the smallest detail. Not only that, but Scott Riggs is a genuinely likable, cool guy who has integrity, ethics, and is fun to do business with! He is an excellent instructor and goes so far beyond what you would learn anywhere else, if you are lucky enough to study under him. - Pam Chant, Teacher, Katella High School
We would like to express our appreciation for the beautiful lamp that you created for us. When we ordered a replacement lamp for one which was taken during a home invasion, we had no idea that the one which we commissioned from you would turn out to be so absolutely wonderful and such a "showpiece". We had viewed your work, but as is the norm, pictures did not do justice to your expertise and talent. We have received countless compliments on our "new lamp" and it has a place of honor in the bay window which faces the driveway into our cul-de-sac. It is shining "center stage" every day when I get home from work and is truly a welcome sight when I round the corner on the way home to my "sanctuary". Thank you, thank you, thank you for the lovely work of art!
I looked over the shade more carefully last night. The three horizontal bands of cool colored green glass are the perfect companion to the warmer green leaves of the tulips and their yellow green stems. I love the variegated colors.... very impressionistic..... and the cool blue of the sky (?) peeking through as the tulips climb relieve the overall warm color of the composition. The complementary reds in the tulips are amazing. The choice of glass is as always masterful. I am looking now at the light shining through some of the greens and it appears as if there are drops of water or dew on some of the leaves.... pretty spectacular. As you know it is so much more beautiful than any photograph can capture. I hope as we grow into our house that I will be able to commission you to make us another lamp or three. These shades will be enjoyed for generations to come. Did you or do you sign your shades?
Having many experiences with transactions on the internet, I must write to inform you that my overall buying experience with you has been one of the best I have encountered.
Starting with my search on the internet to find a custom made "dragonfly" Tiffany style lamp and finding your website with an abundant amount of
information, the transaction proceeded with a level of customer service beyond compare.
My desire to select colors that would compliment our room decor was certainly reflected by your frequent emails and phone conversations with suggestions that offered possible combinations that would accomplish this goal without imposing your preferences.
Your communications regarding progress on the lamp, with many pictures showing the manufacturing process and time frame for completion were a pleasant surprise in these days when it is difficult to determine the status of an order placed by phone and/or internet.
The packaging of the lamp reinforced my impression that this order was handled with attention to every detail.
Finally, receiving the lamp and seeing it lighted left no doubt that I had selected the best artist to create it!
What a wonderful work of art you have created! The pictures were great, but the lamp itself takes my breath away. I have seen dozens of Tiffany Studios lamps in my life (some nice and some not so nice) and would have to say that my lamp is as nice an any Tiffany Studios curtain border I have ever seen. It is like each piece of glass knew exactly where to go. As I told you Scott, I consider myself an extremely particular person. When I received this lamp, it exceeded my expectations in every aspect imaginable. It continues to do so each and every time that I turn it on. Anyone who appreciates fine art would be foolish not to consider buying 10 Scott Riggs' lamps in place of one Tiffany Studios lamp. Thank you for such a wonderful experience along the way.
Your customer for life
Although my friends and co-workers have owned work by Scott for a number of years, I have only become a commissioning customer within the last year. Once I made the decision to work with Scott, I counted the days till he began work on my lamp.
Watching the lamp take shape was an amazing sight to behold. As Scott progressed through the project, he continuously sent me updates of how the lamp transitioned from his initial vision to a finished piece of art. Prior to and during construction of the piece, Scott kept me intimately involved in decisions about what colors, specific types of glass, and style would be used in the design of the lamp.
In the end, however, the finished product is a tangible expression of Scott's passion for his work and dedication to Tiffany's enduring style and creativity. Scott is truly a master of his craft, and his art will be appreciated for generations to come.
Scott Riggs has to many favorable traits to mention, but if I had to pick a few they are Professional, Pride, and a Perfectionist. First of all, I have had the privilege to purchase a few of his shades and through the process we became friends. Unlike most of Scott's clients, I have the wonderful advantage of living 40 minutes from him, so I have the opportunity to see the entire process from start to finish. Not only have I purchased shades, but was trained in the art of making them by Scott. Even though I have the ability to create one, I would rather have Scott design, solder, and build it for me!! Every time I visit Scott, I want to take another shade home. His glass selection is mind-boggling; you will not be able to stop looking at your finished shade once it graces your home.
Scott, the artist, goes far beyond the call of duty for his clients. He is professional in every sense of the word. He does everything in his power to make sure the client is comfortable, sastisfied, and confident that they are getting first-rate service and a high quality piece of art. Of course, he provides the best return policy known to man. His policy is "if you don't like the shade return it and lets make one you do like, no questions asked." How great is that? I could give you numerous examples of Scott's professionalism, but there are to many to mention. Scott's craft far exceeds his reputation as one of the finest lamp artist in the world, because he takes pride in the art he creates. Scott loves his work!!!! For example, if a flower is missing the proper hues, he will proceed to the glass shop and spend hours looking for the perfect pieces of glass to complete a few petals in a flower and let me stress a few petals. I have first hand knowledge that your shade will not be complete and will not leave his studio until he is satisfied!! Even if he is not commissioned by a client to build a shade, Scott is creating, designing, and building shades because he loves it.
The most important thing to remember especially as a potential buyer is if something does not look right to Scott, he will spend numerous hours making it look right, because he takes pride in his work.
Perfectionist
With great pleasure,
I was talking with Scott and he mentioned that you are interested in purchasing a custom built lamp from him. I just wanted to drop you a line and tell you just how fortunate you are to have found him. I myself have been in the stained glass industry for a few yrs. now and I have seen hundreds and hundreds of Tiffany reproduction lamps made and there is only one person that comes close to the quality of work that Scott does and that person is Louis Comfort Tiffany himself. You should know that Scott uses only the finest quality materials on the market today.
I know this for a fact because when I found him on the Internet and saw the quality of his work, I begged him to train me on how he can create such beauty and works of art. So I traveled from Georgia to California to spend a week with him. He took me to the glass supplier he uses and to the company where he purchases his lamp bases. The glass he uses is a true replication of the glass Tiffany used back in the 1920's and it is stunning!! But one must possess the talent and ability to select the perfect glass color combinations to enhance it's beauty and Scott is a master at it!!! The lamp bases he uses is bar none - the finest on the market today. They are expensive but you get what you pay for as the saying goes.
The company (Odyssey) owner that meticulously makes these bases has studied the works of Tiffany more extensively than anyone in the world and produces these bases with a level of accuracy matched by no one in the industry today. Scott is fortunate in that he lives within a few miles from Odyssey and he can hand select each base in person. What an opportunity!!!!! Please don't be mislead by the many others that try to sale lamps that are far inferior in quality. Everyone'! s financial needs and resources differ and the one thing I would say is, if you can not afford one of Scott's lamps right now - save up and wait until you can.
Once you purchase a custom lamp made by Scott Riggs, you will truly have a work of art and an heirloom to be handed down through family generations. You would be amazed to know where some of Scott's lamps are now. They grace the homes of some of the biggest CEO's of major corporations in this country. He takes much pride with every stroke of his glass cutter because he knows his name and reputation follows each lamp he creates. And to the most serious artist, there is nothing more important than ones name & reputation associated with the quality of their work. Scott is in high demand so if you can afford one of his masterpieces now, I would jump at the chance to own one of his lamps. Be assured there is no finer lampmaker to be found!!!
Best of Luck to you.
--- Specializing in Tiffany Reproduction Lamps
--- bowend@mindspring.com
We love Tiffany style lamps, but can’t afford the pricey antiques and abhor the cheapie stuff coming out of Asia. Scott makes lovely, extremely well-made shades at a fair price. We had a difficult chandelier that required five small shades, and he worked with us to find a pattern that would fit, customized the fittings, and allowed us to select glass that fit into our décor. The result was exquisite. Hooked on his work, we followed up with two additional lamps. Scott is an artist who values perfection, but, unlike some, is easy to work with and patient. We found him to be a man of integrity who also values integrity in his customers – and many, like us, come back.
Scott Riggs has made eleven lamps for me. I am the owner and caretaker of his magnificent work. He e-mailed me photos almost daily, detailing the progress of each lamp’s creation, as the small pieces of glass were nurtured into magical flowers and patterns.
Scott Riggs is a master craftsman; his stained glass designs are art at its finest. My lamps bring me great joy, and although I initially purchased these as investments, I frankly could never part with any of them.
They are now my daily pleasure and will someday be tomorrow's greatly appreciated asset.
Scott tells me you're interested in having him build you a shade and that you were looking for a reference. I'll tell you right up front that you won't find a more honest and talented stained glass artist anywhere!!!!! Period!!!!! Nada!!!! Zip!!!! He lives and breathes this stuff!!!!
I met him through Ebay. I was watching a green curtain border shade that he built and listed for sale. If I remember correctly, the high bidder was Don Shay who has a web site and quite a collection of shades and lamps. Anyway, after the auction was over I called Scott and hit it off with him right away. I knew after my first conversation with him that I was going to have him build me a shade. We communicated by Email and phone for a couple of months before I had enough time to get away from my daily grind and make the trek to LA to meet him and see first hand the works of art that he creates out of pieces of glass and a roll of solder!!!!!!!
I had him build me an 18" tulip and it is truly BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!! Scott has literally hundreds of pictures of it and can send you some or I can take a few and forward them to you if you like. When he was building the shade, he would send me progress pictures every day or two so I got to see it firsthand taking shape. It was pretty cool!
If you love lamps, don't pass up the opportunity to have Scott build you one! I guarantee you won't be disappointed!!!
I have been a long time collector of most high quality antiques. I am one of the largest rare coin dealers in the country and have specialized in only the highest quality coins available. For years I have collected decorative arts such as Tiffany Lamps , Galle art glass,Daum art glass, English pottery and just about everything else. When I first ran across Scotts work I was taken back on his attention to detail. I have purchased several of his pieces due to the quality of his work and the ability he has of blending the glass and colors together in a very pleasing warm way.
When I am looking for a nice lamp to put in a room and enjoy , much like the enjoyment of a fire place , I look no further than Scotts work. In my mind, he is the cutting edge of todays art glass lamps.
I've been searching far and wide for an artisan who can faithfully recreate the master works of Louis Comfort Tiffany. I've found a couple who do a nice job, but only one craftsman who takes such measured steps as Scott. I've had the supreme pleasure of seeing glorious forms take shape at his workshop. From the very seed of picking the correct glass, cutting and shaping it, to the extremely intricate step by step process in which he blends color amidst a vast landscape. From my experience, Scott makes every shade as if it were to have a place in his own home. I continue to be overwhelmed by each new example coming out of Scott's workshop. I look forward to filling my home with gorgeous Scott Riggs Tiffanys for many years to come.
Tiffany Studios stood above their competition because of the glass that they used and the artists that knew how to turn that glass into a work of art. Those that have the ability to envision a finished product in it's raw state are few. Had Scott Riggs been around a hundred years ago, he would have worked for Louis Comfort Tiffany. Scott not only has an incredible eye for color but he is an accomplished lamp builder. The quality of his work will rival the best in the world. I have the privilege of owning five of Scott's works and will continue to purchase as many new pieces as I can afford. Scott will, one hundred years from now, be looked back upon as the Tiffany of his time. Those of us that are fortunate enough to enjoy his work today, already feel that way.
The shade arrived undamaged from the trip. The pictures you sent me were great, but the shade is much more impressive than any picture could show. Just incredible! I can think of few possessions that I have, that I will never sell; this shade is one of them. I hope you continue to build shades for a long time to come, as you will be hearing from me again for future purchases as money allows. Again, I could not be happier with the shade you made for me, the craftsmanship, the coloring………… You are a true master. Everyone who has seen the Curtain Border shade you made for me, has marveled at the subtle color changes, quality glass and exacting workmanship. I am sure if you were born 100 years earlier you would be working for Tiffany Studios. Now I have to decide what base to buy; this shade certainly deserves the best. Thank you.
I just received my fifth lamp from Scott and have three more on order for a total of eight. My guess is that before I receive number eight, I will see something new Scott has created and add yet another. The quality of these lamps is just spectacular. You would think you could not improve on a timeless masterpiece such as a “Tiffany” but I believe Scott has succeeded. He does a tremendous job of recreating these great treasured lamps while adding touches of his own artistic ability that results in a modern day treasure. In addition, he gives you the ability to participate in the glass selection process resulting in a perfect addition to your home. I don’t know how many times we have heard from our guests “That lamp is just so perfect for this room”.
While the lamp will bring years of enjoyment, the process of Scott creating your shade is such a pleasure. Scott assists in the selection of the best base for the shade selected and as mentioned, really welcomes input in regards to glass color selection. Then Scott will provide constant emails showing his progress and the personalized creation of a great shade.
But you do have to see one in person to truly appreciate Scott’s special gift. It is so obvious that these are handmade custom lamps once you can touch and see the quality of the glass and expert workmanship. We just love ours!
Eight and counting from Houston
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