Venice + Glass = Murano

         

With a flag like this, Venetians are letting you know their creativity doesn't stay within boundaries. You can spend weeks here and not see every gallery and museum. Then there are the churches and Palazzos, easily worth another two weeks. MIT's glass lab director, Peter Houk, brings us to the island of Murano - known worldwide for its glass. 

                     

Lino Tagliapietra is easily considered THE Master Glassblower of Murano, and many would say of the world. In his 80's, he's been living for a number of years in Seattle. We were met by his son Silvano to view some of the latest work in his new gallery next to the family home.  His pieces can be over six feet long or four feet tall; utilizing traditional along with new, etched, carved and combining methods so extreme that to see a body of his work, you would think that it represented a dozen different artists. And that's what he's worked on recently. Nearly every year Lino and his team come to MIT to work through glass challenges, some of which have led to his innovations. For the students (and for me), watching and working with team Tagliapietra is pure magic! 

                    

Amy West is originally from the US mid-west, but has been on Murano for over a decade. She too has a variety of styles AND is a woman - two highly unusual factors for a Murano Glassblower. That she is so well regarded amongst her Italian peers as an American is unheard of. Although much of her work is translucent, these pictured pieces are from her Riverrock series and reflect particular stones from the nearby mountains. If her work looks familiar, it may be because she was included in a Conde Naste's what-not-to-miss-in-Venice. Or because more than one MOMO curator has purchased her work. Personally, I couldn't resist. Amy is visiting Boston this Fall and will be having a show on Charles Street.  She's planning to stay at "Kaufman Arms", so let me know if you would like a preview. And by the way - she's absolutely lovely!

                   

Murano glass is as diverse as its artists. Like many arts oriented locations, particularly in Venice, it is a skill that is taught by senior artisans. Because people are moving away from Venuce, there is less opportunity to pass skills that have literally evolved over hundreds of years. Make your way to Murano - 20 minutes by vaparetto. Enjoy escaping from the hectic crowds that are Venice. Wander the streets beyond the shops (ok, don't forget the Scent Sisters), the restaurants and the galleries and get a brief glimpse into a way of life that has existed on this island for nearly 2,000 years.