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Glass:
An Artist’s
Medium by Lucartha Kohler Glass has fascinated people for over 5000 years. A unique material, glass is a liquid suspended in a rigid form and can be cut, sawed, drilled, pounded, pulled, melted, etched, shaped, ground and poured. We are in the midst of an explosion of interest in glass as an art form, and have seen the manipulation of glass move from an industrialized setting requiring a team effort, to kilns being used by individuals in artist’s studios and by crafters in homes, in the space of one generation. Artist, Lucartha Kohler, has spent decades researching and experimenting with glass and creating a body of glass art that is widely exhibited. Her work has garnered many grants and recognition by art associations and councils. Additionally, she demonstrates and lectures, drawing on her considerable expertise. We are fortunate that she has compiled the fruits of her years of study in a book that is extremely informative, yet accessible to the beginning artist. Lucartha begins with a chapter that traces the history of glass from its probable beginning 5000 years ago, through all the periods of history since. She cites the documentation of glass processes by many ancient historians, such as Pliny in the first century A.D, and describes how it moved from an object of curiosity to becoming a product essential to many practical, industrial, scientific and creative endeavors. An overview of the properties of glass prepares the reader for subsequent chapters on specific glass working methods. The chapter on glass, forming with a furnace includes glass blowing, casting, types of molds and instructions for making a sand mold. Lampworking includes the expected step-by-step discussion of glass bead making, and the photos of tiny works of glass art must be seen to be believed. Glass forming with a kiln covers all aspects of casting glass; annealing, molds, types of glass and many different types of casting. Detailed instructions are included for frit casting, pate de verre (paste of glass), and glass fusing and slumping. A comprehensive discussion of surface decoration is next. Glass painting, enamels, firing, stains, precious metals, lusters, silvering, electroplating, vacuum deposition, cutting, engraving, acid etching and frosting, abrasive blasting and carving, gilding, reverse painting, printmaking, various types of silk-screening and photography on glass are the types of surface design that are discussed in detail. The photographic examples are breathtaking. Cold working describes sawing, grinding, polishing, drilling and assembly techniques in detail. The final chapter “A Material in the Service of Art” attempts to explain how the unique qualities of glass are so seductive. In an effort to expand these qualities, many artists have formed a partnership with business and industry. The author shares her excitement about how this stretching of boundaries will affect the future of glass and art. The illustrated appendix could comprise a very informative book by itself. Complete with diagrams, it provides detailed instructions and explanations of processes and equipment mentioned throughout the book. Included, also, is a discussion of the many health hazards involved in working with glass. A comprehensive listing of supply sources, bibliography, glossary and page by page subject index and photo index complete the book. I like this publication very much. Although it has the quality of a scholarly text, it is very attractive and accessible to any reader with an interest in glass. Regardless of your particular focus, you will find the book captivating. It has appeal for the collector, hobbyist and the serious glass artist. Glass; An Artist’s Medium, is so beautifully illustrated that my copy will not go on the shelf of reference books, but will be kept out where visitors can see it. To adequately describe the contents would take too long for a mere review. I encourage you to examine a copy for yourself and see if you can resist purchasing it. Review by Diana Norris |
