The Penland Book of Glass: Master Classes in Flamework Techniques [Hardcover]

Ray Hemachandra (Author)

Book Description

Series: Penland | Publication Date: January 6, 2009

For more than 75 years, the Penland School of Crafts has attracted the most creative crafters from across the globe‹and the Penland Book series is dedicated to showcasing the stunning work these very special artists create. This gorgeous new entry focuses on glass and the ten top contemporary flameworkers who have taught at the school, all of whom have areas of expertise that make them leaders in their field. These skilled masters offer a very personal perspective on their influences and work, with revelatory essays that present their views on flameworking and art in general. In photographic how-to sections of about 25-30 captioned images, each one demonstrates a particular technique, usually resulting in a finished piece. Liz Mears presents an assortment of surface treatments, showing four methods of sandblasting glass and ways to adorn the newly sandblasted surface. Paul Stankard conjures a naturescape in a phenomenal paperweight design, while Janis Miltenberger forms a majestic glass cage. The combined knowledge of these crafters, the thoughtful writing, and the one-of-a-kind pieces displayed in both the how-to sections and breathtaking gallery, will aid and inspire glass artists as well as collectors. The ten master-class teachers are Vittorio Costantini, Shane Fero, Ingalena Klenell, Kristina Logan, Elizabeth Mears, Janis Miltenberger, Susan Plum,Sally Prasch, Emilio Santini, and Paul Stankard.

 

Editorial Reviews

Review

“The thoughtful writing, technical expertise, artistic vision, and diversity of application make this an exceptional reference resource for flameworkers, glass collectors, and all enthusiasts of outstanding contemporary craft work.”

—Craft Arts International

 

“Lavishly illustrated … Ten master flameworkers share their in-depth knowledge through essays on their artistic development and practical technical information. Interspersed between these highly detailed artist chapters are galleries that showcase the range of expression possible in the alchemical process of flameworking.”

—Glass

 

“It’s a wonderful book. From its concept of showing the techniques and thoughts of ten master flameworkers to the beautiful photographs showing their work and a gallery of other flameworkers’ creations, The Penland Book of Glass shows that flameworking has come of age and is the most exciting and affordable technique in glass today.”

—Richard Clements, glass artist

 

“The list of flameworkers who have taught at Penland reads like a ‘who’s who’ of contemporary flamework-glass artists, and this book showcases some of the best. Great photography and interesting insights into the minds of ten carefully chosen masters make for fine reading and profound insight into the complexities of this medium.”
— Robert Mickelsen, glass artist

 

“The Penland Book of Glass draws on the expertise of the multitalented glass artists who have taught at Penland School of Crafts and delivers a volume that explains numerous glass techniques, which are precisely and lushly illustrated with wonderful photographs. The gallery of work by invited artists is truly inspirational!”

— Kate Fowle Meleney, glass artist

 

 

Product Details

• Hardcover: 232 pages
• Publisher: Lark Books; 1 edition (January 6, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600591868
• ISBN-13: 978-1600591860
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #754,179 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My new favorite!, June 17, 2009

By 

E. Swope (Kaneohe, HI USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Penland Book of Glass: Master Classes in Flamework Techniques (Hardcover)

I have said this of only one other book to date; buy it now, because if it goes out of print and become unavailable, you will regret not having purchased it. (At least if you are someone who works with glass)
I don't know why I waited so long to get this book. I guess because I hadn't seen it. One day, while exploring in a brick & mortar store, I came across this book and was wowed; knew I had to get it. Of course Amazon charges 30% less, so I came home & ordered it. Now having physical possession of the book, I am even more impressed, enough to call it my favorite book in the area (and I have A LOT OF GLASS BOOKS).
The photography and overall quality of the book is wonderful. The images provide a pretty good survey of the top glass artist in the world right now, and several have generously provided step by step how-tos.
I really enjoyed reading their biographies and the personal insights into their own creative process provided by each of the contributing artists.
I think this book would be invaluable to anyone who works with glass, irrespective of their level, and to people interested in the arts in general. It is a wonderful survey of the top hot glass artists creating today.
I can't say enough good things about this book.
Bravo (Lark) very well done!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book of the Year, December 4, 2008

By 

Fine Craft Fan - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Penland Book of Glass: Master Classes in Flamework Techniques (Hardcover)

The Penland Book of Glass: Master Classes in Flamework Techniques isn't just a great glass, art, or craft book. Rather, it may simply be the best, most engaging book of 2009. Ten of the world's top glassworkers are showcased: Paul Stankard, Shane Fero, Kristina Logan, Vittorio Costantini, Sally Prasch, Elizabeth Ryland Mears, Janis Miltenberger, Ingalena Klenell, Susan Plum, and Emilio Santini. Each artist presents her or his personal story and artistic philosophy in distinct, very well-written chapters. The chapters are paired with photographic how-to sections (how to create a disk bead, a bird, a goblet, etc.) that include exemplary instructional detail and technique description.

The book will be a great asset for glass workers, as well as general artists interested in learning about flamework. But, beyond that, The Penland Book of Glass is a phenomenal coffee-table book--eye-candy for the artistic soul. Many works of the featured artists are presented, of course, alongside dozens of masterpieces from other flameworkers, such as Gianni Toso, Loren Stump, Ginny Ruffner, Andre Gutgesell, Masami Koda, Lucio Bubacco, Hans Godo Frabel, and Kate Fowle Meleney, to name just a few. Inspiration abounds.

For expert as well as novice, glass worker as well as layperson, The Penland Book of Glass offers unceasing treasure in word and glass on the printed page. You'll love this book. In fact, buy several: At Amazon's price, it makes a formidable, discerning gift, as well as an object you'll forever prize having in your home--a masterpiece all its own, very much like the artwork it showcases.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Library Addition, March 10, 2009

By 

aleta wiegand "Lampwork Bead Maker" (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Penland Book of Glass: Master Classes in Flamework Techniques (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful addition to any library whether you are a glass artist or just collect art books. I purchased the book after being referred by the wife of featured artist, Vittorio Constantini. His bio, tutorials and breath taking fine glass art work are fabulous! This book does the same justice to all of the talented glass artists that are represented in it.