Although all of Rex's glass blocks are attractive, This is my favorite. I am not sure what he calls it but I refer to it as 'The Nymph'.

I am not the only one that finds glass blocks interesting. Some time ago, I found an article by Clara Vangen. I tried to contact her [I am sure she would like to add one of Rex's blocks to her collection], but I received no response. I am putting the full article here in the hope that she does a search some day and stumbles onto the gallery...

Every Christmas for the past eight years, my oldest son, now a college sophomore at Iowa State University, Ames, has given me a single glass block as a gift. Though this may seem like a less-than-perfect gift to some, it is, in fact, one of my true passions.

My obsession with glass blocks began some years ago during a home remodeling project. It has since grown into something of a family affair: finding glass blocks in the backdrop of movie scenes; pointing out glass blocks in buildings while vacationing; tearing out magazine articles that show glass blocks in the background; and so on …

By now, you may be thinking, “It´s time to get a life.”

Oh contraire. As design elements, such as chrome, glass, and laminates, have experienced peaks and valleys in their marketability, glass blocks have maintained a recognized place in architectural design for decades. They are timeless because they so versatile.

As a matter of public record, glass blocks have been manufactured in the United States since Pittsburgh-based Pittsburgh Corning began producing them in 1938. As uniquely individual as snowflakes, all glass blocks are an absolute piece of artwork....

What you may not know is that dating back to 1847, glass blocks were originally used as telegraph insulators. They were much smaller and thicker in density than structural glass blocks and were used primarily in the southeastern United States until they were eventually replaced with porcelain and other types of insulating materials.

Choosing to include glass blocks in the structural design of buildings is a sensible alternative to other building materials. Doorways, hallways, work areas, and common areas are all enhanced through the use of warm, clean, stylish glass blocks...

• Glass blocks offer a natural filter to direct sunlight, acting as a passive light transmitter to interior areas of buildings.
• They are easy to install and maintain.
• Glass blocks offer an amazingly high level of privacy in both interior and exterior applications.
• They´re an excellent alternative to windows as a secure, non-point-of-entry-style light source.
• Glass blocks are unmatched in versatility for creating breathtaking visual effects in commercial applications through the use of special lighting, custom shapes, and attractive tinted light filtration.
• They are proven to withstand even the most violent intrusions, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and vandalism.

Today, glass blocks are better than ever, making otherwise common areas inside and outside of buildings extraordinary.

Through all the advancements in improving the quality, consistency, and installation of glass blocks, one very important thing has never changed: my true passion for the beauty and versatility of this ever-popular design element.

She really lays out a compelling case for using glass blocks as building material. Makes me want to run out and 'construct' something!