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Check It Out: Books about glass offer illuminating information

By Jan Johnston

Published: September 3, 2017, 6:05am

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The famous glass sculptor, Dale Chihuly, once said “the magic is in the light” when referring to his work. I love the simplicity of this statement, and I think it’s a lovely way to describe the “magical” qualities of glass. The beauty of Chihuly’s art involves many factors — color, texture, shape — but the presence of light can transform it into multiple versions of itself. A glimmer here, a shadow there, the glass can change depending on the angle of light and the position of the person viewing the sculpture. Magical, indeed.

It’s easy to take glass for granted in our everyday lives. Glass is so common and has such widespread usage that it merges into the background of what I like to call “the millions of bits” that are processing through our brains every moment we’re alive. But what if we take a moment to consider the transmutability of glass, its ability to transform when liquefied, to dazzle when sculpted, to produce reflection when used as a looking-glass? If taking a bibliographic journey through the world of glass appeals to one of those “millions of bits” crashing around in your head, please consider this sample of titles available at the library.

• “Chihuly: Gardens & Glass,” by Dale Chihuly — We have many books about and by Dale Chihuly, so take your pick when searching the catalog. This title celebrates Chihuly’s installations at the Garfield Park Conservatory located in Chicago.

• “Glass Throughout Time: History and Technique of Glassmaking from the Ancient World to the Present,” by Rosa Barovier Mentasti — No longer will you have to “look through a glass darkly” after you read this clearly written history of glass and glassmaking.

• “A New Light on Tiffany: Clara Driscoll and the Tiffany Girls,” by Martin P. Eidelberg — This is the enlightening story of the Women’s Glass Cutting Department at Tiffany Studios. If you enjoy stories about “hidden figures,” be sure to check this out.

• “The Official Sea Glass Searcher’s Guide: How to Find Your Own Treasures from the Tide,” by Cindy Bilbao — Something I’ve always wanted to do is walk along a beach and look for sea glass. It would probably help if I lived closer to, well, a beach. In the meantime, this book will guide me on how to become a first-rate sea glass searcher. What to do with it once I find it? See “Sea Glass Jewelry” below (and say “see sea glass” really fast ten times in a row).

• “Pilchuck: A Glass School,” by Tina Oldknow — I learn something new every day. Did you know that the Pilchuck Glass School was founded in 1971 and is located in Stanwood? No? Well, it is, and it has strong connections with Dale Chihuly (he’s one of the founders). So now you can say you know something new, too. But read the whole book so you can speak with authority about Pilchuck.

• “Sculpture and Design with Recycled Glass,” by Cindy Ann Coldiron — No doubt all of this reading about glass will inspire a desire to make stuff with recycled glass. Sure, you can turn those empty wine bottles into candleholders, but recycled glass can be much, much more. Learn what forty artists are doing with today’s “Check It Out” topic, then get in on the action yourself with step-by-step instructions for creating four different projects.

• “Sea Glass Jewelry: Create Beautiful and Unique Designs from Beach-Found Treasures,” by Lindsay Furber — Congratulations — you found sea glass! Or you bought it online (I won’t tell). No matter the source, bling up your wardrobe with handmade sea glass jewelry. Wow, you look so glassy!

• “Stained Glass: From Its Origins to the Present,” by Virginia Chieffo Raguin — How many times have you looked at a stained glass window and been mesmerized by its beauty? Even the smallest examples of stained glass offer visual pleasure with their vibrant luminescence. Get the whole story behind the art form in this historical survey of stained glass.

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