The Penland Book of Glass: Master Classes in Flamework Techniques

by Linda Kopp (Editor), Ray Hemachandra

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.

231 pages, Hardcover

First published January 6, 2009

Reviews

[Firepoppy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a visual feast, featuring ten top flameworkers who each illustrate an advanced technique as well as offer up a gallery of their favourite flameworked pieces by other artists.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing book for anyone interested in what can be done with glass. I kept reading and shaking my head, feeling more inadequate by the page. Beautiful photographs, wonderful artists and teachers. It's not really a step-by-step tutorial, but more general essays by some phenomenal glass artists.