Miriam Schnyder, Art X on Glass AG Founder and CEO: “Clients are drawn to our work because it tells a story. Each piece is more than decoration—it’s an expression of thought, emotion, and individuality. That connection, that sense of personal resonance, is what elevates our creations into the premium space.”

Art X on Glass AG is a unique and creative enterprise based near Basel, Switzerland, that merges the precision of glass craftsmanship with the expressive power of contemporary art. Founded by Miriam Schnyder, also the CEO of the successful glass processing company SCHNYDER Glasworld GmbH, Art X on Glass was born from a deep passion for both glass as a material and the transformative power of artistic expression. While building SCHNYDER Glasworld GmbH into a respected name in the industry, Miriam found herself increasingly drawn to the creative possibilities of glass as a canvas. This inspiration led her to explore behind-glass painting, using acrylic paints and sprays to breathe life into each piece. The result is Art X on Glass AG – a company where every artwork is individually handcrafted and tells its own story. Each piece can be integrated into everyday spaces – as kitchen backsplashes, bathroom panels, table surfaces, or standalone artworks for the wall – combining functionality with aesthetic impact.

At the heart of Art X on Glass is a vision that goes beyond design. Miriam’s motivation also stems from a personal dream: to create safe, enriching spaces for children with autism to enjoy after school, giving their families moments of relief and reassurance. This deeper mission influences the spirit of the company – one that values empathy, connection, and joy. Though Miriam is not the only artist at Art X on Glass, she is the soul of its creative direction. She embodies the fusion of technical expertise and artistic intuition, and her goal is to use glass art as a way of giving back – by creating pieces that inspire and uplift. The company’s workshop is a place where glass is not just painted but transformed – every surface a unique creation, every artwork a vibrant reflection of imagination.

At Art X on Glass AG, glass becomes more than a material. It becomes a medium for storytelling, emotion, and connection – turning everyday objects into extraordinary experiences that illuminate spaces and touch lives.

In conversation with Miriam Schnyder, Founder and CEO of Art X on Glass AG

As the Groundbreaking female powerhouse at the Helm of ART X ON GLASS AG, how would you describe your leadership style—and how has your journey as a woman leader shaped the way you connect emotion, art, and entrepreneurship?

Since 2019, I’ve been navigating the construction industry in Switzerland—a sector often likened to a “shark tank.” Many questioned my decision, asking why I would take on such a challenge. But for me, entrepreneurship has always been rooted in values: teamwork, motivation, responsibility, and trust. These principles guide not just how I lead my teams, but how I engage with clients, partners, and the environment.

My first company eventually had to be closed. It was a deeply painful moment—emotionally and financially—but it became one of my greatest learning experiences. I gained a profound understanding of the importance of delegation, of building trust while maintaining accountability, and of creating systems that empower rather than control.

In Switzerland, business remains a predominantly male domain. Early on, I felt pressure to conform to expectations—to fit into a mold that wasn’t truly me. That disconnect took a toll, but the journey to rediscover myself taught me invaluable lessons about my strengths, vulnerabilities, and aspirations.

Today, my leadership philosophy is simple: to live and let live. I currently lead three companies—SCHNYDER Group Holding AG, SCHNYDER Glasworld GmbH, and ART X ON GLASS AG—and I’m fortunate to have two exceptional CEOs by my side. They are not only business partners but true kindred spirits in this journey.

ART X ON GLASS is known for its rare use of reverse glass painting. Can you explain how this technique translates into a premium offering, and why it’s resonating so deeply with clients seeking more than just decoration?

At ART X ON GLASS, we specialize in reverse glass painting—a technique where the artwork is painted on one side of the glass but viewed from the other. This method not only requires precision and vision but also results in a striking visual depth that distinguishes our work as both functional and artistic.

Our pieces serve multiple purposes. They can be integrated into interiors as kitchen or bathroom walls, used as tabletop surfaces, or displayed as standalone artwork. What sets our offering apart is the belief that art should not be confined to museums. Our guiding principle is: art belongs in our homes.

Clients are drawn to our work because it tells a story. Each piece is more than decoration—it’s an expression of thought, emotion, and individuality. That connection, that sense of personal resonance, is what elevates our creations into the premium space.

Your journey intersects art, business, and emotion. How has being a trailblazing women Artist and visionary entrepreneur shaped the emotional vocabulary of your work, and how does that influence how your brand connects with buyers?

Balancing the roles of leader, artist, and visionary entrepreneur is an ongoing challenge—but also a powerful source of inspiration. My brother once told me that we’re here to grow mentally, to evolve every day. That perspective has stayed with me. Each day brings uncertainty, complexity, and a spectrum of emotions. I channel all of that into our artwork.

I’ll never forget my first piece. A client wanted to buy it, but I hesitated. It wasn’t just a painting—it was a reflection of my inner world. I said, “Yes and no.” Yes, because I am a businesswoman. No, because that piece carried my story, my emotions. But ultimately, I realized something important: I wanted people to see and feel that emotion. That’s the essence of what we create. Every artwork we produce tells a story.

In today’s fast-paced world, we’re constantly connected—phones, tablets, notifications—yet so often disconnected from ourselves. Our art exists to interrupt that rhythm. It says, “Pause. Breathe. Take a moment for yourself.” Our message is clear: you are unique, you are valuable, and you deserve beauty in your everyday surroundings. That’s why we believe art doesn’t belong only in museums. Everyone deserves the emotional richness and presence of original reverse glass artwork in their home. It’s not just a piece of decor—it’s a celebration of individuality and self-worth.

In an era of mass production, you’ve committed to making each artwork a one-off. Has this exclusivity become your strongest selling point, and how do you manage demand with such a model?

Each of our artworks is entirely handmade and truly one-of-a-kind. Even if we wanted to replicate a piece, it wouldn’t be possible—the process, the emotion, and the creative flow behind each work make it inherently unique. That exclusivity has become one of our strongest differentiators in a world dominated by mass production.

We believe that meaningful art takes time. There’s no shortcut to authenticity. Our clients value this, and they’re not just buying a product—they’re investing in a story, a moment, a feeling captured in glass.

To manage demand, we operate through our online platform at www.artxonglass.com, and we also create custom pieces on request. This allows us to stay true to our artistic values while maintaining a direct, personal connection with our buyers. Each commission is a collaboration—an opportunity to translate someone’s vision into a singular piece of emotional, visual art.

Your work is deeply tied to materiality—glass, light, and form. What role does material selection—such as tempered or acrylic glass—play in shaping the emotional and visual tone of each piece?

We primarily work with tempered glass and use high-quality acrylic paints. The choice of materials plays a vital role in shaping both the emotional and visual impact of each piece. Glass, by its nature, presents challenges—especially when it comes to creating depth and shadow—but those challenges have become part of our creative advantage. Because we apply the colors in layers, step by step rather than all at once, we’re able to create a striking three-dimensional effect. This layered technique gives the artwork a sense of movement and depth that’s unique to reverse glass painting. Another powerful quality of glass is its flat, reflective surface. It interacts constantly with light, which means the artwork evolves throughout the day. One of our signature blue shower walls, for example, appears different every time you look at it—shifting subtly with the changing natural light. That dynamic transformation adds emotional resonance. The piece doesn’t just hang on a wall; it breathes with its environment.

Your artwork often becomes part of personal and intimate spaces in people’s homes. How do you think this proximity to daily life contributes to ART X ON GLASS’s growing client loyalty?

Each artwork we create is a reflection of our mind and soul, making it an inherently intimate expression. As artists, we reveal a part of ourselves with every piece, and that vulnerability is a powerful connection point. Naturally, not every artwork will resonate with everyone—and that diversity of response is part of the beauty of art. When a client chooses to bring one of our pieces into their personal space, it creates a unique bond. Our work becomes part of their daily life, a constant reminder of emotion, story, and individuality. This close proximity fosters deep client loyalty, as the artwork moves beyond decoration to become a meaningful extension of their identity.

Many women visionaries and leaders face skepticism when blending creativity and commerce. What are some early decisions you made—around branding, pricing, or curation—that allowed ART X ON GLASS to command both artistic respect and commercial traction?

Navigating the intersection of creativity and commerce requires a delicate balance, and listening closely to our customers has always been a priority. At the same time, we empower our artists with creative freedom—within clear guidelines. One non-negotiable rule is that the artwork must never offend or disrespect anyone’s religion or personal beliefs. This principle of tolerance and respect serves as the foundation for both our artistic integrity and brand reputation. It allows us to maintain a space where creativity thrives without compromising inclusivity. By honoring this balance, ART X ON GLASS has been able to earn both artistic respect and commercial success.

What does the future hold for your company and its customers? Are exciting things on the way?

As I mentioned, we are on the verge of launching our first online shop, which will significantly expand accessibility to our unique artworks. Every day, we continue to refine our painting techniques, experiment with new color palettes, and explore innovative materials—including gold leaf—to elevate our creations.

We are also developing new furniture designs that integrate reverse glass painting as a central element, blending art and functionality in fresh ways. Looking ahead, I am eager to collaborate with artists from other continents, drawn by their distinct perspectives and approaches to painting. This diversity inspires me deeply.

Beyond being an artist and entrepreneur, I consider myself a visionary. To fulfill that role, I must allow myself to dream boldly and explore new possibilities—not only for the growth of the company but for the benefit of our customers, employees, and my own personal evolution. The future holds exciting opportunities, and I am committed to leading ART X ON GLASS into new horizons.

“We primarily work with tempered glass and use high-quality acrylic paints. The choice of materials plays a vital role in shaping both the emotional and visual impact of each piece.”