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By JUSTIN ELLIS, Staff Writer January 28, 2008

The thing about glass work is that it takes lots of careful consideration. Once you start cutting glass, you need to get it right.

"You have to plan carefully and consider what you're going to do in advance," said Brian Chick, a Portland stained-glass artist.

Chick has no formal training but learned the craft himself. His grandfather was a stained-glass artist but died when Chick was young. He found his grandfather's tools and it sparked an interest.

"I guess I took after him in some ways," he said.

Chick said one of the reasons he enjoys the art form is because of the process. Before beginning a piece, any artist must fully consider what they want to achieve but also the limitations of glass, he said.

He said he also enjoys the entire process of creating stained- glass work, from cutting the glass to piecing it all together.

When it comes to stained glass, many people think of church windows, but Chick prefers to work on much smaller pieces like window hangings.

"I like the simple things people can take in with one gaze," he said.

Chick, who also works as special projects coordinator at the Portland Downtown District, said Portland's art scene has a way of attracting and inspiring other artists.

Chick has collaborated with a number of artists on shows, including David Marshall, and his work is often found at the Pine Street Studios.

"The great thing about being an artist in the city is being able to walk around and see these incredible, diverse pieces of art that inspire you to work on a different level," he said.

Portland Time Bank "A great resource for aspiring and amateur artists, holistic health practitioners, gardeners, and other hobbyists to refine and practice in a friendly and supportive way, while cultivating ties to your community. You'd be surprised at the variety of services you may barter yours for."

The League of Young Voters "The League of Young Voters is standing up for tenants' rights, affordable housing, more pedestrian and bike access, and such issues that make 20-35 Portland hipsters' worlds go round. They mix good, old-fangled, grassroots organizing with a fun atmosphere that goes down like a cool drink on a warm day."

Etsy "Essentially, eBay for handmade art. You'd do a lot worse than to sell your stuff on it, and it's the perfect e-digs for finding great gifts."

Portland Public Library "They have tons of great literary events on top of all those books, CDs and DVDs. Where else can you get five DVDs or CDs for a week, and even more, renew them not just once, but twice? Newer movies at the main branch are usually shopped out, so dig into those classics you've always wanted to watch, or try your local satellite branch."

Shelfari "For the nerd in me. Do use it, but do remember to put your books down and come out to play every once in a while."