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Mark_Block
08-27-2006, 06:06 AM
August 27, 2006

Good morning Folks:

First, let me thank all those artists and craftsmen who have sent me their CDs, biographies and artist statements for the newest book I am working on focusing on YOUR works and words.

I want to remind those of you who have been somewhat sluggish, and also busy crafting to be sure you get your materials in the mail to me, or at least e-mail me at blockglss@aol.com and let me know when you'll have them ready. This book is shaping up as a terrific retrospective from 2000 to the present. The focus is shaping up to be the explosion of the use of borosilicate glass in torchwork pieces that simply did not exist on today's level a few short years ago.

This does not mean that traditional rod- and cane-cut marbles are not being reviewed and illustrated by some very well-known artists for they are. Nearly every major contemporary artist is involved in this project. Each has been invited to participate, and the response has been very heartening.

It is time to show off your work and words. If you have additional sculptural glass or other objects you craft and did not submit them to me to include, please take the time to do so today. It is importnat that glass art collectors see the variety of works you do. Books of mine are on the shelves and featured in numerous major museums and galleris around the country and I want to be sure that as much of your creativity is known to others as possible.

One request from anyone who can help. I want to beef up the chapter on the history of borosilicate glass and how it found its way into the Contemporary Marble Movement, much as the artists themselves. I have quite a bit of information but want to feature one or two of you who can provide me with a good chronology. Your works will be specially highlighted in this chapter. And if that isn't enough, because Misha has told me what a super group you are, and from all of those I have met and had the pleasure to spend time talking to I agree, I have no good images of elaborate glass pipes or other items that can show the bridge between that world, the contemporary bead world (which Dinah Hulet and a few others are gracious with), and the contemporary marble world.

I know this is a lot to read on a Sunday morning, but I sure hope you can assist. The Forward and Introduction have been provided by two of our most well respected artists and are ready to print. One of the earliest borosilicate artists is providing a tremendous amount of encouragment and information as well, and the history as it was attained in the late 1990s is being revised to accurately reflect the actual mid- to late 1970s work that set the stage for some of the later artists and their efforts.

I look forward to hearing from you. Lastly, if there is anyone who has told you they were not invited and would like to participate please give them my e-mail address or forward me theirs. No slight was intended to them, it just may be that I am not aware or familiar with their works.

Thank you and warm regards,

Mark Block
blockglss@aol.com

Rexwerx
08-29-2006, 11:58 AM
Hey,

Is there going to be a section in this book (the history part), that details how pipemakers have influenced this movement?

...........Bird

Mark_Block
08-29-2006, 12:38 PM
Absolutely, a full chapter. I am still seeking some other independent information from any of you folks out there who have worked in the medium. What I need to verify and substantiate with the research done already is the following:

When and how did they come about?

Where were/are they sold and how complex are they in design?

What led folks to move from pipes and things to marbles or beads, vice versa?

Has this been noticeable in the pipe community?

Any information can and will be held in confidence if requested, or acknowledged appropriately in the book. Images anyone?

E-mail me directly at blockglss@aol.com.

Thank you, Mark Block

Rexwerx
08-29-2006, 12:52 PM
Hey Mark,

Great! Sounds like something really cool there... When is your deadline? I am glad to see the story told, and I am sure I will be buying a few copies, and sending you my ramblings/photos (though you don,t have to use them).

Thanks for your efforts, and I hope it turns out to be the best book on the subject to date!!!

..........Bird

Mark_Block
08-30-2006, 05:33 AM
My deadline has been extended by my publsiher to allow for the accurate writing of the subject, but it is not limitless. I would tell you that I would have to have all information and images by September 20. I am continuing to wrok on the artists sections and so I have a bit of time to work with.

Any assistance is greatly appreciated in bring this subject to the forefront, especially as new information has become available to accurately correct some earlier writings on the early days of the Contemporary Marble Movement.

With regards and thanks. Feel free to e-mail me at blockglss@aol.com.

AND FEEL FREE TOSPREAD THE WORD!

Mark Block