Murano, the glassmaking island of the Venetian lagoon is my destination this week. I return to the magical world of boats and bridges, the secret island with fiery furnaces behind every wall. Since the 9th century, glass has been made in Murano. In 1291, Murano became the official glassmaking island isolating all the furnaces to one location to protect the buildings of Venice.
Venetian glassmakers, although secluded with their secret trade, and forbidden to leave the Republic, had privileges of wearing swords, and marrying their daughters into nobility.
Today, Murano, only 1.5 km across, inhabits about 5,000 people and hundreds of glass furnaces. You can hear their fuel-driven hum and see the orange glow in the ancient window panes as you come across the lagoon at night. Glass sparkles in every storefront. Mecca for a glass artist. Read more…
Written by: Julie
Illuminata
Tags:
glassmaking, history of glass, lagoon, maestro, Murano, Venice
Posted in:
artist, creative process, Design, General, LED Lighting, Pioggia, Raindrop, Venice | 3 Comments »
I am heading out to Seattle one of the world’s epicenters of glassmaking! Home to Dale Chihuly, William Morris, Dante Marioni, Preston Singletary,Ginny Ruffner, and other glass masters, it is a melting pot of top-notch glass creation.
The opening of Pilchuck glass school in the 70‘s has attracted the best-of-the-best glass masters from around the world to come visit Seattle and teach glass programs. The school has inspired other learning facilities to open in the region, and allowed for other glass artists to establish successful studios. Another attraction is the Tacoma Museum of Glass, one of the best ways to experience glassmaking and viewing.
I belong to the Glass Art Society, an international alliance of glassmakers, collectors and gallerists that all conjoin for the annual GAS conference held in different cities around the world. This year’s Seattle gathering is expected to be spectacular with so many glass venues to enjoy! Read more…
Written by: Julie
Illuminata
Tags:
GAS Conference, glassblowing, Julie Conway, Seattle
Posted in:
artist, creative process, Design, General, LED Lighting, Pioggia, Raindrop, Venice | 3 Comments »
