I received Glenn's book last June when it was first sent out by Gemporia and had put it aside after reading, intending to write a review as there were many interesting aspects to it, not least of which had nothing to do with the jewellery side of Glenn's life, but more the aesthetics. I picked it up again lately when I had a little more time (a year later go figure ha! But it was my third read) and finally decided to get down some thoughts on it. Firstly you don't have to be a jewellery lover or even like or own any of Glenn's exquisite pieces of jewellery which are works of art; of and within themselves.
Each one is masterfully crafted with precision, dedication, creative flair and years of lapidary experience. Each one is also unique as each is handcrafted. My first purchase was the Torus ring. Again a work of beauty mirroring the iris of the eye and found in many patterns of mother nature's splendorous creations.
Who is Glenn Lehrer?
Gem crafter, lapidarist extraordinaire, jewellery creator and fascinating carver of wondrous gem art. With many of his carvings being especially commissioned and adorning pride of place in many museums as well as the GIA. (Gemological Institute of America)
Getting to what I enjoyed about the book was the freeflow of thoughts and concepts. It wasn't clogged up with useless facts, or formal in having to follow a specific chapter or order and I also liked how Glenn kept referring to different areas and aspects of his life and then would veer away to another topic before returning to write and explain some more about the first thing he was describing. It may seem haphazard to some, but it all made sense. Especially as I sometimes do the same, jump about from page to page expressing varied views before returning to the topic at hand and digressing. It keeps the writing and chains of thought fresh and on point.
I especially enjoyed and was fascinated by the areas on astral projection and his dreams. How he was led to this career, guided if you like, and never giving up on his dream, no matter the obstacles in his way. As well as the dangers he met whilst travelling and how he overcame them. Being honest in his approach and writings, even calling his book perhaps a little "vain" in having to write about himself. It is more of a memoir of his life's adventures and how all the facets slotted into place enhancing his love of gems and gemology. In Glenn's own words, he saw it as a "fantastic opportunity...to share with the world the life, art and inside view of a Gem artist's mind and studio."
Glenn's gem journey began in 1975 after his brother, Wayne handed him a Quartz crystal and how this had a physical impact on him as the surge of energy shot through his body to his head, he wasn't aware of the impact of crystals at the time, indeed as he says no one did. This included himself not having an interest in jewellery at all. This monumental piece of crystal led Glenn to buy lapidary equipment for the very first time and the rest as they say is history. As well as the fascinating history of crystals and how "our consciousness is a mirror of the very symmetry of the mineral kingdom, which forms with exacting crystallography."
To me and for me the most interesting part of the book was Glenn's experiences with the mystical and the paranormal, having an interest in the paranormal too and its impact on our lives and not just through mere beliefs but also experiences. Which for Glenn began when he was 18 and when he started having 'out-of-body experiences' and how these were the catalyst and enlightening him to "discover my muse in Gem Art." As his lucid dreams led to his understanding the world of science as it pertains to the universe more. And I can relate to that in part, having such vivid and intense dreams on certain objects and themes, including the paranormal. It is such a surreal feeling at times.
These mystical experiences impacted on Glenn's life as a jewellery designer and lapidarist as being his "inspiration and moral compass" in his life and designs.
Even getting to be on TV and The Oprah Winfrey Show. Have to agree with Glenn's views on being on that since there was just chaos for ratings and not to understand what the particular issue/concept meant and how it could be interpreted and given meaning in other's lives. If you've got a guest on; it's professional courtesy to hear them out and not cut them off! Glad Glenn walked out of there in disgust and protest and as they say or I do, it's not worth even dwelling on something that has such a negative impact! But at least speaking up and being vocal was the right thing to do and we must all be like that especially in today's society and world!
A staggering and perceptive read including chapters on his early life, finding his muse, historical aspects of art and gems. Including an overview of his own Lehrer Studio in San Francisco. His European journey into meeting the gem masters of Idar-Oberstein in Germany who helped him hone his craft. His love and fascination of gemstones and his appearance on Gemporia on TV. As well as an eye opening chapter on crystals: their inner workings in an exceptionally annotated chapter on Transformational Crystallography: The Seven Systems of consciousness in Nature and the Geometry and Color of Consciousness. I found this section fascinating and it brought back my late father's love of gemology. Oh and there are plenty of wonderful pictures too!
However Glenn's journey doesn't end with the close of the book or the final chapter, as he commented writing this after how he has only experienced at least two thirds of his life. Which means he has much more to explore and create still and learn. But it is such a masterful and unique insight to this world not all of us can enter. Do read it as it is far more revealing than anything that can be written or reviewed about it. As said you don't even have to to be a part of the jewellery world or have an interest in it.
In Quest of the Indescribable: The Artistry and Life of a Gem Carver Glenn Lehrer (2016)
Published by Gemporia
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