Dear Readers,
The Importance of Sharing Your Art with the World
This winter edition of Glass Patterns Quarterly has been a particular treat to put together. As with so many previous issues, this one seemed to come together from the creative sparks we call ideas. It almost had a mind of its own, in a sense. In the opening article, I hope you will enjoy the work of TR Biddle and the message from him and Dr. Linda Seger on the connection between creativity and spirituality. I have known for years that artists are special people, and I believe that in this particular economic environment, their place on this earth is paramount to our survival and well-being. If it's been awhile since you have dabbled in "glass," I urge you to pick it back up for all the reasons that they shared and more. You and the world around you will be healthier for it, I promise. It's no mistake; artists are here for a reason and you are here for a reason beyond our full comprehension. Together we can create a magazine that represents many, many artists and a collection of brilliant and unique styles. You might begin to recognize and understand art glass techniques when you see them in galleries and be able to discuss them intelligently. You may begin to recognize particular artists by their art as they trademark their own unique styles and systems of working with glass. Sharing ideas and techniques with others helps to keep the hobby growing and strengthens the skills of the individual glass crafter. Witnessing beginners who are new to glass and how much they enjoy it reminds us of our own first years in glass.
Glass Patterns Quarterly has an exciting year planned for you, our valued readers, for 2011. In addition to the great lineup of new techniques in glass and artists, you will find galleries throughout the pages of GPQ that inspire even more creativity and ideas. We'll make every attempt to load our pattern sheet full of great designs for all skill levels plus larger projects that aren't overly complicated. You can also look to our website, newsletters, and Facebook page for timely updates that tie in projects from the magazine as well as free downloadable projects and patterns. You'll be receiving new and relevant information from us each month. As a subscriber, you'll also receive additional content each quarter that will be delivered via e mail. Please make sure we have your current e-mail address with your subscription so you receive all of your benefits. We hope you will always turn to us as a trusted source of glass patterns and glass instructions.
Future issues will feature various themes as we continue to share seasonal projects and information. We welcome your submissions as well, and now there are more ways than ever to become a part of our publication. We'll walk you through each stage of submission and strive to promote you as we give our readers ways to connect with the designers we feature. We're sharing so much information with you, because we know that the creative well is deep and abundantly overflowing. Inside this issue I believe you'll find plenty of glass projects that are exciting and challenging from a variety of talented artists and designers. Enjoy!
Maureen James
Editor in Chief
Submission Deadline for Upcoming Issue
Summer 2011 March 20, 2011
Theme: Summertime and Nature, Seaside and Seascape Project
Glass artists and hobbyists will find a fabulous array of information and projects in t
