Afro Celotto - Studio Art Glass

Pazzia	Buccin Toro	Fumata	Oleo
Puparin	Realizzo	Respinto	Sermone
Wiva	Puparin

Afro Celotto was born in Venice on August 24, 1963. He started working with glass when he was only 14 years old, apprenticing with the legendary Lino Tagliapietra. Since these early years, Celotto has been producing some of the worlds most beautiful art glass. Even though he is considered a "youngster" in the world of glass blowing at just 39 years of age, Celotto is quickly becoming recognized by collectors for his technical ability and artistic expression. Celotto's skill is most evident in the very complex and particularly difficult techniques he uses; techniques that have been mastered by only a few glass blowers in the world; techniques taught to Celotto by his mentor, Maestro Lino Tagliapietra.

After an apprenticeship at " F3 International", Celotto took his skills to "La Murrina" where he filled the position of "First Master". Here he specialized in two of the oldest techniques: filigrana and murrhine. Four years later, Celotto returned to "F3 International" after being asked to replace Lino Tagliapietra, who had moved to the United States.

Recently Celotto, with two talented friends has opened his own studio. He has moved beyond excellence in execution and now finally feels free to devote his attention and focus to his own artistic expression and unique works. This last year has been an immensely creative period for him.

The vessel, glass' oldest form, is the central theme of Celotto's work. Through this form, Celotto can express his artistic vision and mastery of skill.

Essentially, Celotto begins each piece making complex glass rods. Each rod or cane is composed of 2 or more colors. (With clear glass considered as a color in this case.) The colors are heated and intertwined to form strands of spirals. Commonly 3 forms of cane prevail in Celotto's work. Filigrana, where milk glass and colored glass threads are heated together and pulled into a smooth or spiral design. Reticello, a type of filigree that has a delicate net or thread. Reticello is completed in two successive hot-working phases, requiring considerable skill and artistic talent for success. Lastly, Retortoli, which is a twisted filigree with glass threads twisted into a spiral pattern.

Once the canes are made, they are laid out on a hot plate, side by side. The canes are preheated, gathered and blown into the desired shape. Often times, Celotto will have multiple-gathers of cane on a single piece, changing the orientation of the punty rod. What results is a highly complex patterning of line and color bordered with translucent or clear areas.

When the glass is cold, each vessel is finished in a variety of sanding and carving techniques. Each piece dictates where to grind and which technique is required. A series of straight lines are cut in varying depths with a grinding wheel in a process called "Inciso". This is in contrast to the hammered look of "Battuto" where small "scoop" marks are incised (ground) onto the surface. Not only does the grinding add texture to the surface, it also deflects light into the piece creating a wonderful play of light and shadow.

The Vessels themselves combine traditional vase forms with a little whimsy and a contemporary edge. The overall effects are sophisticated and masterful. Each piece is signed "Afro Murano". He uses a special diamond point wheel to handwrite it under every piece that is made by him. This is your guarantee of the authenticity and uniqueness of each piece.

Celotto also has the privilege of an important artistic relationship with Pino Singoretto, generally considered the greatest master for heavy glass sculptures on Murano Island and also a member of Dale Chihuly's team.