Thijs Kelder

In my practice, I combine the centuries-old craft of stained glass with contemporary design and innovative techniques. I combine contemporary iconography with graphic forms to tell stories about mortality, nightlife, climate change, consumerism, mass production and the future, often infused with a dose of humour and sometimes a darker or more critical undertone.

Although I am eager to bring my ideas to life quickly, the time-consuming nature of the process and the fragility of the materials I work with require a slower pace. Working with stained glass demands concentration, patience, care and precision, allowing the work to develop gradually. This slower pace offers a striking contrast to a world in which everything seems to be moving increasingly fast.

My work is currently entering a new phase, moving from two-dimensional stained glass pieces towards three-dimensional sculptures and installations. This shift allows me to explore new forms and possibilities while developing a series of experiments that push beyond the boundaries of traditional stained glass.