Voices Behind the Glass V

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

Today we’re honored to introduce Gayle Holdman — Co-Founder of Holdman Studios, best-selling author, and designer. Beyond her many titles, Gayle brings heart, vision, and creativity that are essential to shaping the Sphere of Light. Her passion continues to inspire everyone involved in bringing this dream to life.

About the Artist

Q: Can you share a bit about art your background and how you got started in stained glass? I’m Gayle Holdman. I co-own Holdman Studios with my husband, Tom. I got into stained glass through Tom, because he had been working professionally in stained glass for about a year when he decided he loved me enough to ask me to marry him. I decided I loved him enough to say yes.

He gave me an engagement ring — and then said, “Oh, by the way, the jeweler that ring came from is fully expecting a stained glass window in return to pay for it. So you have to come help me make it.” He taught me how to do stained glass, and we’ve been creating together ever since — for over 30 years now.

Q: What inspires your artistic style and approach to working with glass? As an artist, I was a natural-born designer. As a child, I loved working with pens, markers, and crayons. I remember in elementary school my favorite thing was to take people’s names and create bubble letters with markers for their desk nameplates. Whatever they were interested in, or whatever their favorite color was, I would use that element to design each letter.

As I got older, into junior high and high school, I moved more into performance art since both of my parents are musicians. My design side faded into the background, except for doodling and interior design. I’ve always loved paper crafts — making tags, cards, and scrapbooks. I even became a “scrapbook hall of fame” person for a while, though it was just a hobby.

I’m not formally trained in design; it’s simply something I’ve always loved. When I married Tom and began working alongside him in the business, my design abilities naturally resurfaced. Over the years, working with Tom and with other amazing artists on our team has helped me grow as a designer. I’ve learned so much from them.

Q: Do you have a favorite technique or process in your work? For me, one of my favorite aspects of our work at Holdman Studios is adding layered meaning to stained glass. That’s most obvious when we’re telling a story through the imagery, but even in thematic projects — such as temples for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — I love thinking deeply about the purpose of the piece.

I think in words. I’m also an author, so ideas and concepts come to me in words and phrases more than in visuals. My style is driven by one question: How can this project touch the heart of the person who will see it? I care most about people understanding they are worthwhile human beings, that they matter, and that they make a difference.

Back in the early days, when it was just Tom and me, I remember cutting patterns for stained glass by hand. We had to leave space for the lead to hold the glass together. Today we use computers and plotters, but back then we used special scissors with a third blade to create that gap. Straight lines were simple, but curves were difficult. Still, I loved it — especially since I’ve always loved paper crafting and scissors.

I also loved the copper foil method. Each piece of glass is wrapped in copper foil tape, pressed down, and then burnished smooth so the solder lines look clean and even. It was so satisfying to see those edges perfect. That used to be my favorite part of the process.

Stained glass, however, is extremely labor-intensive. I’m grateful now that we have a team to help with the physical work, since it’s harder on me these days. But I treasure those early days.

About the Sphere of Light

Q: What does it mean to you to be part of the Sphere of Light project? The Sphere of Light is a monumental undertaking — Herculean in scope and vision. It’s Herculean in that we’re trying to create art that can speak to every human soul. It’s Herculean in the sheer amount of work, glass, and thought that goes into every choice of color, texture, and story. It can feel overwhelming, even nerve-wracking at times.

But the value lies in what it will bring to people. Utah Valley, where this will stand, is a precious place. I’ve traveled the world, and I truly believe Utah is full of people striving to do good. To create something here that can touch not just our community, but our nation and the world, is a remarkable privilege. It’s worth the effort because of the difference it can make.

Q: How does your style and thoughts contribute to the story of the Sphere? I’m currently the only woman on the design concept team. That alone shapes my perspective. My experiences as a wife, mother, and woman allow me to bring a unique voice to the project. About half the world is female, and I want that perspective represented. Sometimes I find myself playing devil’s advocate, asking, “How will this feel to women?” or “I don’t know if that fits.” It makes sense — and I believe it adds value.

I’ve been privileged to travel and meet many people with diverse experiences. I’ve learned that, at our core, people everywhere want the same things: to love and be loved, to know they matter, to make a difference. I hope to bring that understanding into the Sphere of Light.

Q: What challenges have you faced while creating your work for this project? Of course, being the only woman on the team has challenges. At times, I feel like I’m not being heard, or that I see things differently. But we’re learning to appreciate each other’s perspectives and combine them to create something greater. The challenge extends beyond gender: we are a small, privileged team in a privileged place, trying to represent the human experience of people who may not share our opportunities. That’s daunting, but it pushes us to look beyond ourselves and try harder to be inclusive.

Personal Connection & Impact

Q: What emotions or messages do you hope people will take away from the Sphere of Light? My hope is that the Sphere of Light will help people feel their own worth and value. A stained glass window is made of countless unique pieces, each different in size, shape, and color, yet each crucial to the whole. Humanity is the same. Every person matters. Even the smallest piece has a place.

The magic of stained glass comes when light passes through and the pieces come together. My dream is that people who visit the Sphere of Light will recognize not only their own worth but also the worth of others. That they’ll leave with greater compassion, understanding, and love.

Q: Has working on the Sphere of Light changed your perspective on art or humanity? I’ve always loved people — looking them in the eyes, hearing their stories, learning their dreams and struggles. I believe light is the ultimate gift of stained glass. Without light, stained glass doesn’t live or breathe. It cannot fulfill its purpose until light comes through it.

We, too, cannot fulfill our purpose without light — the light of God. Just as stained glass comes alive with light, I believe we come alive when we let God’s light shine through us. That is what I hope the Sphere of Light inspires in all who see it: the knowledge that they are loved, they are valuable, and their light matters.

Q: If you could describe the Sphere of Light in three words, what would they be? Edifying, illuminating, and unifying.

Until our next Voices Behind the Glass series!

• Roots of Humanity