About

Kate Crankshaw was born in the Pinelands of New Jersey and currently resides in Philadelphia with her 2 small dogs, 2 cats, and pet pigeon. She is skilled in both flameworking and hot glass, making work utilizing both processes. Her work explores ideas of memory, longing, and relationships. She has previously held internships at Wheaton Arts & Cultural Center, as well as Vetro Vero Studios. Kate has received multiple awards & scholarships, including the Kimmel Scholarship for excellence in Craft and the Brian Effron Pilchuck Glass School Scholarship to attend a workshop at Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, WA. She has also received a gallery pick from Wexler Gallery for her piece “Home, Springtime” while featured in the Art Unleashed exhibition. In addition to her art practice, she designs and makes jewelry and home decor, as well as fabricating work in glass for both designers and artists. Kate holds a BFA in Craft + Material Studies, with a focus in glass, from the University of the Arts (2019) and an MFA in Craft/Material Studies with a focus in glass from Virginia Commonwealth University (2023).

Artist Statement

My work explores themes of memory, relationships, loss, grief, and longing. I grew up living in constant transience, attempting to avoid formal foster care placement. Coming into adulthood made me question my upbringing and it’s effect on my adult persona.          

My work utilizes glass to evoke the fragile nature of stability and the ghost-like quality of memory. I am interested in the dichotomy of having the desire for the stability that I lacked growing up, while simultaneously seeking out the continuation of the uncertainty that became so familiar. Trauma can affect the brain by leaving a haze over your past, leaving holes in what you remember. This process has empowered me to take back an element of control by processing my memories, and therefore, gaining a better understanding of myself. Through the repetitive process of making glass, my body is able to relax into a meditative state, allowing my mind to process grief and trauma. By finding peace in my past, I am able to achieve ataraxia and move forward.