Recently, I had the chance to meet with Dieterich Spahn, of Minnetonka, MN, who I would venture to say is the greatest living stained glass artist. This German born and trained artist has designed over 3,700 windows, most notably in collaboration with Peter Dohmen, working on 2 giant sections of the Munderloh windows in Valparaiso’s Chapel of the Resurrection.
Not only is he passionate about his work, but he is a wonderful person to spend time with, and his love for Jesus Christ is unmistakable as you speak with him and as you learn about his work.
The images in his glass, and the way the light danced on me when receiving communion at VU, I can only say that his vocation, the way he praises God with his art and his life, touched and influenced my faith life, my meditation on God’s word, right on down to how I appreciate colors and how I myself perceive and create liturgical art.
You should just see his latest works, both at the Franciscan sisters Chiara center in Springfield, and the little Swedish Lutheran Church in Minnetonka, MN.
I thanked him for his work and hope to one day visit his studio. I felt such a connection to this man whom I had never met before, it was an honor to spend just a few hours with him.
Caroling
Nice article. I visited his studio in 2012 and am preparing video. Will check back when it is published on wholeo.net