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Heart of Glass - Blenko Glass

Blenko Glass is a West Virginia treasure that spans generations. Nothing symbolizes the state of West Virginia better or more beautifully than Blenko Glass. We will discuss current and former craftsmen and designers and how important it is that Blenko and West Virginia glass be appreciated and valued by the younger generation.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Great Glass Artist of America

Glass art is the use of glass as an artistic medium. Specific approaches include stained glass, working glass in a torch flame (lampworking), glass beadmaking, glass casting, glass fusing, and, most notably, glass blowing. As a decorative and functional medium, glass was extensively developed in Egypt and Assyria, brought to the fore by the Romans (who developed glassblowing), and includes among its greatest triumphs European cathedral stained glass windows. Great ateliers like Tiffany, Lalique, Daum, Gallé, the Corning schools in upper New York state, and Steuben Glass Works took glass art to the highest levels. Glass from Murano (also known as Venetian glass) is the result of hundreds of years of refinement and invention. While there are now more hotshops and glass artists working in Seattle (USA), Murano is still held as the birthplace of modern glass art,
The glass objects created are intended to make a sculptural or decorative statement. On the market, their prices may range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars (US).Reference Wiki. Many of the GREAT American Glass Artist have BLENKO GLASS http://www.blenkoproject.org/ connection. Joel P Myers was a BLENKO designer, Harvey Littleton, Marvin Liposky, Herny Halem, and others worked with the factory workers, and visited BLenko as a part of a growing American Glass Art movement in the 70-80s. The Glass Art Society was founded in 1971. These men were the pioneers, they appreciated the factory worker, knew the limitations of the factory, but appreciated the talent of the factory worker and the 'new experience'.

While reading a book about Glass Art in America I saw photos of Liposky's New Year Cards - each was a unique work of art. He was gracious enough to include me in his 2008 list - and I'm sharing with you!
Artists have a wonderfully different, unique, positive view of life and images. I don't have the gift - I do embrace the art- and - I knew early on I would always be a supporter of the Arts. {first I must graduate and acquire an income}

6 comments:

bridgett said...

Trust me. Eventually we all graduate. The deposable income is another matter.
I have many pieces of Stueben glass, tiffany glass and murano, I will now add WV Glass to my collection. We visited the Weston Museum. The receptionist is a jewel, sweet, very southern and full of charm.
Great suggestions.

Dr.BOB said...

Hilary
Personality traits reveal themselves in conversation, your ability to find beauty and pleasure from receiving a post card speaks volumnes of your
ability to be happy and find happiness in your life, where it takes you.
Your passion for Blenko, your skills of promoting WVa a place you obviously love, and your positive outlook keep me visiting the Herald.
They should make you a permanent part of the HOME PAGE nice to see you there today!

Anonymous said...

Hilary
I now have an address. Except
letters and flowers.
Solomon

Unknown said...

Hi Hillary,

That's great news your work and effort is being appreciated and recognised thats another milestone in your pursuit to glasswork

keep going

Ram

Anonymous said...

Hey Hills
this Marvin Lipsky guy is very famous, did a google search
Way To Go!
Paul Jordan
US ARMY

bridgett said...

The Blenko Museum On Line
was very informative, thnx
for the link.