Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Glass Blowing... East to West

Over two thousand years, a lightning hit the sandy coast of small town Sarafand on the east coast of the Mediterranean sea. The lightning created a small urn in glass that locals used to hold wine in. Little did these people know that witness the creation of an industry that will last two thousand years. Since that moment and for the past two thousand years, millions of glass blowing artists have surfaced around the earth and created works of art. From candelabras from Lebanon, to Chandeliers from Murano in Italy, to carafes in Mexico and Vases in New York City, it feels like glass blowing has become the lingua franca of art- something that unites people across continents, time and culture.



The above candelabra from Soufle-Dorient is a simple reflection of the mystical nature of the near east. The glasscandelabras and glass accessories are made using a 2,000 year technique. They have preserved the culture, warmth and charm of the Mediterranean sea.



The imposing nature of the above Murano chandelier simply speaks for itself. Each piece is blown individually and the whole structure is put together using the highest craftsmenship. It is a great chandelier for lofts, victorians and edwardian homes.




From Murano also come these gorgeous hanging lights that are winning award after award. They are modern with a timeless twist. You can think of them as neo-murano work. Something that fits modern homes but completely preserves the authenticity and craftsmen ship of Venice.



Last but not least, glass blowing hit New York City, with Brazilian artist Regina Medeiros. Her glass work, sheeted or blown is simply amazing. It represents great elements from nature like plants, clams, shells, etc and preserves them in glass. Colors, styles and lights are blended together in her pieces.

You are welcome to travel to Italy, Lebanon, Brazil and New York city to see all this great art, or you can simply visit Chez Moi in San Francisco and see all this on display. You will be blown away with glass (or class!)

3 comments:

  1. Glass blowing is really a coold art. I have soon how they do it. Amazing!

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  2. Very cool story about the origins. Please post a link to any more detailed story about it. Not sure where on the east coast of the Mediterranean you are speaking about, but I am aware that much of the sand in that area comes from the outflow of the Nile River, which in my mind gives it another layer of interest.

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  3. A wonderful subject and truely a respected artform. Being an artist myself I can really appreciate this post. I would like to pass on an artist friend of mines information who also is a glass artist in Naples Florida,
    Beverly Albrett http://www.tropicalglassdesign.com

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