GLASS ALUMNI
Paul J. Stankard
Scientific Glass Technology, 1965
Paul Stankard is an internationally acclaimed artist and pioneer in the studio glass movement. He is considered a living master in the art of the paperweight, and his work is represented in more than 70 museums around the world. In 1961, he enrolled in Salem County Vocational Technical Institute’s Scientific Glassblowing program (now Salem Community College). During his ten year scientific glassblowing career, he became a master of fabricating complex instruments. In 1972, Paul left industry to pursue his dream of being creative in glass fulltime.
Over his forty-year artistic journey, he has received two honorary doctorate degrees, one honorary associates degree and many awards within the glass community, most recently the Masters of the Medium Award from Smithsonian's The James Renwick Alliance, Glass Art Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award and American Craft Council College of Fellows. He is an Artist-in-Resident and Honorary Professor at Salem Community College.
Stankard divides his time between flameworking and writing. He is the author of four books; an autobiography No Green Berries or Leaves: The Creative Journey of an Artist in Glass, an educational resource Spark the Creative Flame: Making the Journey from Craft to Art, an unusual two-section resource guide Craft as Career: A Guide to Achieving Excellence in Art-making, and his newest book Inspiration from the Art of Paul Stankard: A Window into My Studio and Soul.
Learn more about Paul and his work at www.paulstankard.com.
Alumni Profile: Paul J. Stankard
Book Release: “Inspiration for the Art of Paul J. Stankard"
June 30, 2022
“Inspiration from the Art of Paul J. Stankard,” a gift book featuring brilliant photos of botanical paperweights created by the internationally renowned artist, is now available for purchase.
The 17-chapter volume includes insightful and inspiring writings by Stankard, a 1963 graduate of Salem County Technical Institute (SCC’s predecessor institution). Through the lens of a magnificent career spanning more than 50 years, he addresses the value of independent study, the growth of artistic integrity and the pursuit of excellence.
Paul is SCC’s artist in residence and founder of the International Flameworking Conference (IFC). He was also instrumental in creating the associate degree program in Glass Art. The College named the 15,000-square-foot studio/lab in the Samuel and Jean Jones Glass Education Center in his honor. The New Jersey Council of County Colleges recognized Stankard with its first statewide Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2018.
“This is not a book focused on my glassworking process,” Stankard writes in the introduction. “Rather, it’s a guide for nurturing personal creativity and the formation of your own plan to reach your full potential, whether you are a creator yourself or someone who simply enjoys the inside story and the endless challenges of art making.”
In the “Know Thyself” chapter, Paul writes, “I have always felt the need to be creative, but now, near the end of my career, I feel an urgent need to continue the journey through writing, with teaching as an important part of my legacy.”
In a chapter titled, “Become Obsessed,” Stankard, who grew up in Massachusetts, concludes, “I think my work represents an esoteric take on native flowers that speaks to my recollection of picking flowers for my mom. I believe my passion for sharing this childhood joy will become my legacy.”
“Inspiration from the Art” -- available from Schiffer Publishing or on Amazon – is Stankard’s fourth book. He dedicated “Inspiration” to wife Patricia.
Learn more about Paul and his work at www.paulstankard.com
6/30/22