About the Artist > Biography

Artist Statement

My latest stained glass series is based on Japanese textiles and kimono prints. I found inspiration for this project in a book from the 1940s. The panels in this series are leaded and include many different techniques including hand-sandblasting of multi-colored glass and hand-painting with enamels and glass paints.

The sand-blasting and enameling of a single piece of glass allows me to create complex patterns and increase the amount of color. On some of the panels I then double the layers of glass which heightens the complexity of the design even more and creates a 3-D effect. In the context of an entire leaded glass panel, of a hundred pieces or more, the intricacy seems endless.

I enjoy experimenting with color, form and light. Exploring how complex and colorful I can make my pieces is at once challenging and very satisfying.

Contact Kate Gakenheimer at kgaken @ yahoo . com