Voices Behind the Glass III

An Inside Look at the Sphere of Light from One of Its Visionary Creators

We’re thrilled to feature Tom Holdman, co-founder of Holdman Studios and the Roots of Humanity Foundation—the visionary behind the Sphere of Light. What began as a spark of inspiration is now transforming into a monumental work of art and meaning.

With over 31 years as an artist, Tom’s creative journey hasn’t always been easy. In this exclusive interview, he shares what it truly means to be an artist and what it’s been like to bring the Sphere of Light to life—both personally and artistically.

About the Artist

Q: Can you share a bit about your background and how you got started in stained glass? I had a very bad speech impediment growing up, so I had to look for other ways

to speak to people. I learned that through the visual arts—art became my way to communicate.

My first experience with stained glass was in high school when my teacher handed me a piece of blue glass. It changed my life. I remember thinking, “What is this medium?” It was so magnificent. I took that blue glass and made a stained glass window. That window—my very first—is right here in my office. It still hangs there today.

Q: What inspires your artistic style and approach to working with glass? For me, it's always about the story. What am I trying to say? What’s the best way to communicate it? Whether the work is really intricate or more abstract, I ask myself how simply it can reach the viewer.

Q: Do you have a favorite technique or process in your work?I really enjoy painting with light. What does that look like? How do you capture it? Can a piece of art be one thing—and then as the light changes, become a hundred different things? That’s what glass does. I experiment with transparent glass, carving, crystals, and beveled rhythms—whatever helps harness and reflect light the most. If I had to choose one technique, it would be the one that interacts with light in the most powerful way.

About the Sphere of Light

Q: What does it mean to you to be part of the Sphere of Light project? When I was in London—around 3 a.m.—I found myself standing on the London Bridge, thinking about the collective consciousness of humanity. I wondered, Could we show that? Could we express how connected we all are? That we have more in common than we have different?

That vision came to me nine years ago, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. Our beautiful team has thought about it too—what images could we use to show something so grand?

Yes, it’s a magnificent window, a sphere of light. But more importantly, it’s about the light inside of you. That’s what excites me most—imagining how the patrons will feel when they see it. I want them to realize they are a sphere of light too, with a sphere of influence inside them. And every day, they can grow that light until it becomes so impactful, it inspires generations.

That’s what drives me. And honestly, I think a lot about what this work will do to me—how it will shape me as I help shape it. I’m going all in. I want to lay all that I am into this project so that it becomes something I can pass down—to my children and their children. Like the roots of a tree, the leaves of posterity. And what hangs there is hope. That electricity of hope for humanity. And that hope... is you.

Q: What challenges have you faced while creating your work for this project? This idea has been with me for nine years. And I’ve asked myself—how far do you follow an impression? How many hurdles do you overcome?

It hasn’t been easy. People have asked, “Is this really possible?” Is it possible to unite humanity? To build an interdenominational meditation sanctuary that all people—regardless of age, faith, or background—can connect to? Can we become one? Is this dream too big?

Humanity has been trying for centuries. But friction often pulls us apart. When we come together, sometimes that same friction bounces us even farther away. But what if... what if we replaced fists with open hands?

That’s been the hardest part: how do you express that without using words? Could visuals be the best language for that? Is art the international language? Whether someone speaks English, Japanese, or German—can they look at the image and feel it? Not just in the mind. Not just in the heart. But both—together.

Q: Can you explain a little about the art and concept designs behind you? On our art wall, everything starts with concepts. Rough sketches. Loose ideas. It doesn’t have to be beautiful or perfect—it just has to begin. If you want to be an artist—if you believe you are an artist—you’re already halfway there. Everyone is an artist.

We began with simple images. Rock stacks—symbolizing ancestry and posterity. Then we honed that. What if we showed people on a journey, passing light from one to the next? How does that light grow within us?

We wrote “Seed of Life” on the wall. Because in an atom, there’s light. And that light can expand to fill the entire universe. There’s beauty in that micro and macro—the feeling of being out of control but knowing even the wings of a butterfly can shift the world.

We brought that idea into other symbols—eggs, bees as keystone species, unity in your personal sphere. Whether with your spouse, your child, your enemy—how do you love? How do you show courage? How do you gain the knowledge to act?

All of it comes from those initial sketches. It’s thrilling. You start asking, “How am I doing with relativity? With faith?”Not just religious faith—but faith in people. Faith that others can help you grow.

We wanted to show that these questions are ancient. People have always wanted unity and growth. So we added journey maps. Trees, ships, Stonehenge. The fire inside of you. The torch you carry when you step into the unknown.

People ask me, “What’s the hardest part of this project?” It’s stepping outside of my comfort zone. As an artist, I don’t write a lot. My journal is visual. This project—this is me. Me going into the darkness, leading others. It’s hard. But it’s worth it.

If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough. Is this big? Yes. Ambitious? Absolutely. But time will pass either way. So I ask myself—what will come out the other side? Can a piece of art really help future generations? I believe it can.

Personal Connection & Impact

Q: What emotions or messages do you hope people will take away from the Sphere of Light? I want them to feel like generational shifters. That their choices—their light—can ripple through time. I want them to be so moved by the imagery that they bring others. That they share what they felt and open up about their own stories. That they create space for growth and conversation.

Can there be a perfect merge of art and architecture? I believe yes. But not just that—add a third element: you. Art, architecture, and you.

“It is your road and your road alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you.” —Rumi

Q: Has working on the Sphere of Light changed your perspective on art or humanity? Oh, you better believe it has. As I’ve looked beyond my own perspective—outside my little North American bubble—and traveled to over 50 countries, I’ve realized: There’s no one right way to do things. That’s the most powerful lesson. There are so many different ways to live, to create, to connect. And we can all learn from each other.

Q: If you could describe the Sphere of Light in three words, what would they be? An inter-denominational meditation sanctuary—that’s what it is at its core.

Until Next Artist Series,

• Roots of Humanity