Kathleen Curwen

Stained Glass Artist

Kathleen began her career in biochemistry and worked for many years in medical research and academia. Fifteen years ago, she decided to learn the art of stained glass. Kathleen found a wonderful mentor who took her under her wing and taught her how to work in the medium. While she began working in the field as a creative outlet, she has devoted herself to working in glass full-time for the last ten years.

Starting with an image – real or imagined – and transforming that image into glass gives Kathleen great joy. She never designs or builds a piece that she would not be happy to hang in her own home.

Kathleen designs patterns in a variety of styles, including Victorian, abstract, and geometric depictions of plants, birds, and wildlife. She also creates whimsical pieces that include shells and sliced agate geodes or antique plates. She also repurposes antique frames and windows to frame her works. She often uses a circular diamond saw to cut background glass into complex shapes to eliminate solder lines that might detract from the aesthetics of a piece.

Kathleen is drawn to stained glass as a medium because it allows her to use both color and texture in her work. She asks questions such as: What kind of glass will simulate water movement as a loon swims through a lake? Can I choose a piece of glass that will look like lace in a Valentine? How do I create an image that will look like snow falling on birch trees or rain falling on pussy willows? Can I depict a hummingbird in flight? For Kathleen, there is nothing quite like creating a glass image through which light flows, bringing that image to life.

Website: https://www.longrivergallery.com/