Waterworlds -- Peter Patterson Glass

This March and April, Peter Patterson of Patterson Glassworks in Mundelein, Illinois is featured in the exhibition window Waterworlds at the Illinois Artisans Shop, Chicago.

Patterson has worked with glass for over 25 years. He earned a BFA from the Cleveland School of Art in Cleveland, Ohio and has studied extensively at the Penland School of Craft in Penland, North Carolina. His unique use of material during the firing process has distinct visual results. The water-like depth of light is built from several surfaces of glass, color overlays, millefiori and gradually spaced bubbles. In Waterworlds, Patterson uses a process he invented: incorporating phosphorus into the glass, making it glow in the dark.

With my BFA from college majoring in illustration, I like to think of each of my pieces as an illustration. I can achieve this by pre-fusing some of my decoration or using different technique.

The inspiration for my different series comes from a variety of things including life experiences, scuba diving, working plant knowledge, graphic design and nature itself. I put these fluid motions of the water along with organic shapes derived from nature into my glass creations.  -Peter Patterson

Peter Patterson is shown at galleries across the country and is in private collections worldwide. He is represented by the Illinois Artisans Shop, Chicago. All items on display are for sale.

The Illinois Artisans Shop, a not-for-profit endeavor, is a showcase for art work created by the state's finest artisans. It provides an ongoing opportunity to view and purchase the best designed and crafted traditional, contemporary, ethnic and folk art made in Illinois. Illinois Artisans Shop, 100 W. Randolph, Ste. 2-200, 312-814-5321, Monday-Friday 9 - 5.