On Monday I learned of a course being offered by glass artist Paul Stankard and I immediately enrolled.   Mr. Stankard is one of my idols.  When I started working with glass, I discovered his work and have been in awe of it since.

Paul is recognized internationally as the most important and accomplished paperweight artist in the world.  His works are exquisite, intriguing, miniature botanical sculptures suspended within clear glass, and are characterized by delicious, intricate detail and a spiritual devotion to perfectly rendering the splendor of the natural world.  I could stare for hours at Paul’s works and still be touched by something new in them with every encounter.
 
The course Paul is offering will be through the John Burton Program, a new grassroots, educational, self-help organization established to celebrate excellence in flameworked glass.  The John Burton Program will offer independent studies through on-line courses, seminars and an internet library. 

Paul’s course will survey the contemporary glass art landscape, focusing on excellence and originality while over-viewing studio glass, and will offer a window into the challenges that a studio glass artist encounters.  Over 15 weeks, we will read and discuss Paul’s autobiography No Green Berries or Leaves – The Creative Journey of an Artist in Glass, as well as several other books on art, beauty and aesthetics, research and read about glass art, developing an artistic voice, and take field trips to look at glass art.  The course will be conducted by conference calls, internet forums, and writing assignments. 

The opportunity to study with Paul is a treasure!  Lucky me!!

www.PaulStankard.com
http://www.mwpubco.com/titles/paulstankard.htm
http://www.johnburtonprogram.com/

Bandhu Dunham has published the first two books in a series on “lampworking” (the traditional name for what some call ”flameworking”). 

The art of flameworking is evolving very rapidly, as thousands of artists around the world are discovering and developing their skills and aesthetics.  Bandhu is one of the main figures of this world, both as an artist himself (www.salusaglassworks.com), and as an educator, promoter and historian.  His books are an essential reference for anyone interested in doing flameworking.  They contain history of the art, technical information, and a feast of images of lampworked art from around the world. 

Currently in production is Bandhu’s next book in this series.  Contemporary Lampworking Volume III is scheduled for release April 2010.  I am pleased to be one of the artists included in this volume. 

Bandhu is offering a discount along with a free gift for pre-paid purchases of this new book.  Find more information at his website:  http://web.me.com/bandhud/CL3_VIII_promo/Home.html