kristie urbanski is a toronto-based stained glass artist whose work explores the relationship between light, architecture, and atmosphere. what began as a personal creative pursuit during a period of transition gradually evolved into a practice shaped by curiosity, experimentation, and a growing desire to push the medium beyond tradition and into contemporary spaces. by balancing time-honoured craftsmanship with forward-thinking design, her installations transform static glass into dynamic spatial experiences that respond continuously to changing ambient light. through this deliberate blending of tradition and innovation, she redefines how stained glass can engage with modern interiors and architectural design.
kristie’s creative transition began after owning and operating a restaurant for eight years without any prior experience in the industry. following the sale of her business, she sought a period of recovery and self-care, exploring yoga instruction and art as paths toward healing. her discovery of stained glass came through a local workshop in etobicoke, where a dedicated mentor encouraged her to develop a weekly studio practice. recognizing an opportunity in toronto to integrate stained glass into modern architecture and interior design, far beyond its traditional ecclesiastical contexts, she committed to the craft full-time.
with the support of her partner, who initially built her a home workspace before helping her transition into a dedicated commercial studio, kristie approached her training with the discipline of a full-time profession. her career accelerated after securing a major commission from a local designer for a 10-foot transom window. taking on the challenge of large-scale leaded glass fabrication so early in her artistic development became a defining milestone. the project generated widespread interest and led to custom commissions across toronto and internationally.
as her work developed, so did the scale of her ambitions, moving from small studies to large architectural commissions that demanded both technical precision and creative risk. alongside this growth came the realities of building a life in art while navigating motherhood, long hours in the studio, and the uncertainty of running a creative business. balancing the demands of a growing studio with family life required constant adaptability and resilience. each step forward was shaped by trial, learning, and persistence as she carved out a practice that could support both her artistic vision and her life at home. through this balance, her personal experiences and dedication to her craft continue to inform the depth, patience, and authenticity embedded in every piece she creates.
through hands-on craftsmanship, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to exploration, kristie began to build far more than individual stained glass pieces. she established a practice defined by intention, resilience, and a profound connection to space and light. her journey reflects a story about creating a life centred around art, embracing uncertainty, and navigating the delicate balance between motherhood and a deeply personal creative pursuit. driven by passion and persistence, her evolving work demonstrates how an artistic practice can grow alongside personal life, turning everyday challenges into a source of strength, beauty, and enduring inspiration.
kristie’s journey from restaurant owner to stained glass artist shows that creative fulfilment can begin when we have the courage to embrace change and step outside our comfort zones. by treating her transition into glassmaking with discipline, seeking mentorship, taking bold creative risks, and pushing traditional craftsmanship into modern spaces, she built a thriving practice that honours both spatial design and light. even as her career accelerated, navigating the dual demands of running a business and entering motherhood required constant resilience and adaptability. ultimately, her story offers a powerful reminder that ambition and personal life do not have to compete. when approached with intention, patience, and persistence, life’s deepest challenges do not diminish artistic vision. they can enrich it, allowing passion and life to grow side by side into a source of enduring strength and inspiration.
