Kate Ohara
I have always been fascinated by glass going back to the days of collecting glass soda bottles for the 2 cent return. I liked the clanging of the bottles and the way the sun reflected through the glass. I was attracted by the mobiles and metal jewelry made by Alexander Calder. It is my goal to use the glass, the solder, the copper wire, the beads and varying textures to design my Kites of Glass. They are meant to have motion and to spin. They may hang inside or outside and interact with their environment. They are quite spectacular in the snow. These kites of glass will fly as high as your imagination will take them.
The process of making stained glass kites is wearing on the hands. As a knitter for years, I am familiar with yarns and fabrics. I was immediately intrigued by the process of Kumihimo, the Japanese technique of braiding. The softness of the fibers and leather give my hands a rest while allowing my creativity with color and design to soar.
I am a young in spirit artist and the 2 cent bottle returns give away the era I was a child. I am new to the art world and I am amazed how both my kites and jewelry are evolving in design. Now that I accept myself as an artist, I look at the world in a whole new way and notice the colors, designs and patterns surrounding me. And just think, this is only the beginning.
Kate Thaete OHara