Meet Kate Gakenheimer of Kate Gakenheimer Stained Glass in Cambridge

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Gakenheimer.

Kate, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My mother has a memory of me being captivated by stained glass and medieval art in a museum when I was 6 years old. I’ve always loved ornate, complicated, decorative objects.

I studied art history with a concentration in architecture history at Boston University. Since I loved working with my hands I then went to the North Bennet Street School where I got a certificate in Preservation Carpentry. I had taken a stained glass class at Mass Art during the summer between my years at NBSS, and since we were expected to graduate with a job lined up I looked for a job in stained glass. I found one at Daniel Maher Stained Glass in Somerville, MA. Working with Dan we did lots of historic restoration of church windows including Tiffanies and Lafarges. We also did lots of new work projects using many different techniques including sandblasting, glass painting and enameling. I’m now using these techniques in my own work.

For the last few years the inspiration for my stained glass panels has come mostly from fabrics and textiles; vintage Japanese kimonos, but also vintage fabrics from France, Turkey and all over the world. I’m also inspired by tiny, complex Ukrainian Easter eggs and the artwork of turn of the century botanical artist Ernst Haeckel. He was able to take natural forms and turn them into jewels, a sea urchin into a Fabrige egg.

I am always trying to cram as many colors and designs as possible into each of my panels, and sandblasting, glass painting, and double layering allows me to decorate each piece of glass beyond its innate color.

I love exploring how complex and colorful I can make each piece of glass in each of my panels.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Of course making a living as an artist can be challenging! I’m lucky in that I’ve been able to work part time for another stained glass artist to supplement my income while still having time to do my own work.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Kate Gakenheimer Stained Glass – what should we know?
I make custom and one of a kind stained glass panels for homes and businesses. Every step of the work is done by me by hand. Its very labor intensive! My work is distinct in that it is very colorful and ornate.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My mentors are Dan Maher and Nancy Nicholson, both amazing stained glass artists! They both taught me the importance of structure and craft. When you start out doing restoration work, you understand the importance of making works that will last. Unlike a lot of medias stained glass has a rigid frame work that you have to work within, and it can be challenging to work within the structural limits. They are both super creative and are always pushing themselves and trying new things.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kategakenheimer.com
• Phone: 8579987084
• Email: kgaken@gmail.com
• Facebook: Kate Gakenheimer Stained Glass

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