Pâte de Verre: The Material of Time

A comprehensive go-to book about pâte de verre, for anyone interested in opaque glassmaking. 

Why the increasing interest in pâte de verre throughout the international glass art community? In this go-to resource, learn the reasons behind the current shift of perception regarding translucent versus opaque glass—and perhaps even see glass itself in a different way. Authors Stewart and Ørvik are glass artists and educators, and their guidance here offers an unparalleled experience.

For makers, detailed process instructions are included, plus unique glass color recipes for making your own glass palette to facilitate experimentation and reduce costs. A comprehensive history of the 5,000-year-old technique incorporates new authoritative research correcting previous perceptions of pâte de verre´s place in history. Illustrating the new shift in insights of what glass art is and what it can do, this book captures almost every aspect of pâte de verre.

Bridging the span from traditional to contemporary practice, it shows the versatility of this “chameleon” material through interviews with and work by 23 contemporary glass artists. It opens up the field of glass, allowing us to understand, use, and then go beyond traditions and push the boundaries for glass sculpture.

“Dedicated to both beginners and advanced glass artists . . . an indispensable book for anyone who wants to delve into the technique, with content of great educational value.”
“A universal handbook . . . presents the current technical and artistic standards in words and pictures, and also offers inspirations for future developments.”

Interest in creative glassmaking is booming; the Netflix reality series Blown Away had record viewing numbers.  
 
From 2006 to 2020, the overall value of sales of glass art in England rose by 548%; by comparison, the value of ceramic pieces increased by 33%.  
 
The time is right! Glass art attention is high worldwide for 2022: it's the 60th anniversary of the contemporary studio glass movement.  
 
Plus, 2022 is the United Nations International Year of Glass, with 68 countries hosting conferences, exhibits, and celebrations.  
 
Note that Pilchuck Glass School, outside Seattle, is the best-known glass school in the country, and Seattle is a regional center of the glass "universe."