About the Author

Chris Peterson is a writer and editor living in New York City. He began his career as editor of Professional Stained Glass, working with a broad range of talented glass artists. He has since written extensively on the subjects of glass art, home improvement, gardening, and other general interest topics.

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Introduction:

Ive long wanted to write a book on glass art. For fifteen years, Ive held a deep and resounding appreciation for the medium and the artists who work in it. It is a unique material, and these artists are exceptional in their drive to overcome relative obscurity and make the public-and the arts community-recognize the distinctive potential of glass as an art form.

Glass artists inevitably fight an uphill battle for legitimate recognition, their works consigned to the less prestigious and less financially rewarding arena of craft versus the fine arts. This has been a frustrating struggle to witness. A great painter must master the nuances of light and shadow, line and perspective, and generally must create meaningful, intriguing, and thought-provoking work to be lauded. A great glass artist must do all that in a less malleable medium. But the glass artist can never hope to stand on the same pedestal of public acclaim the painter occupies. I hope this book plays a part in changing that misguided perspective.

Glass art offers qualities beyond those found in other fine arts. One of the greatest challenges a glass artist faces-in addition to those that any visual artist must tackle-is the changing nature of the light that illuminates the work. In contrast to paintings that are usually lit under set and unvarying conditions, a work of glass is more often than not viewed in both transmitted and reflected light. A talented glass artist can make the inherent statement heard in all potential lighting situations.

Of course, the ultimate test of any great artist, regardless of medium, is the innovation and originality of their expression. That is what sets apart the artists in The Art of Stained Glass from so many others. I believe the reader scanning these pages will come to the same realization I came to so many years ago, namely that this is fine art. Artists such as Rachel Schutt-Mesrahi, Patrick Reyntiens, and Lutz Haufschild have created notable bodies of work that will stand the test of time as unique, enduring works that express relevant commentary on the natural world, architecture as living environment, and the human condition.

The Art of Stained Glass also offers the reader a chance to revel in the sensual, vibrant nature of stained glass. From the liquid appearance of textured glass, to the seductive, surreal tones of painted glass, to the riveting sparkle of beveled glass, the medium is nothing if not alluring. But make no mistake-although the extraordinary work shown here is wonderful evidence of the mediums potential, these artists recognize no boundaries in the forms or techniques of stained glass. They will combine, refine, and alter methods and materials as they see fit to create the individual statements they want to make exactly as they want to make them. They share the desire to use the medium as an ideal, and ultimately beautiful, vehicle for expression and communication. I think one look will leave anyone with eyes hungry for more. Let the feast begin.