Growing up, I remember a couple beautiful heavy red and yellow glass bowls in our house- always a little out of reach for a child to get to. They had gold flecks in them. Later, we always enjoyed holding them up to the light to look through them. They were from Murano, an island in Italy’s Venetian lagoon.
Sunlight has always fascinated me. I especially enjoy shooting photos in the afternoon sun when flowers get backlit and become see through -like translucent colored glass.
Murano, Italy was a bustling commercial port in the 7th century. In 1291 the glassmakers of the area were ordered to move their foundries farther away from Venice as the government thought them a hazard to the city. Venice was primarily made of wooden structures and the concern was real! Overtime, glass blowers became the leading citizens on the island with one catch- they weren’t allowed to leave town. For centuries, Venetian glass makers were known throughout Europe for their expertise. They honed unique skills developing new techniques for making mirrors, glass shot through with threads of gold, multicolored glass and milk glass.
I’ve always been fascinated by glass blowing, although the technique of blowing molten glass escapes me. It’s almost magical how shapes grow and change. I’m pretty sure it’s dangerously hot though. In a way, it reminds me of watching my father throw pots on the potter’s wheel- as the clay spins, the hand or tool guides the soft shape until a new form emerges. A partnership of man, action and materials. Thinking Humanity has an amazing video on glass blowing. (I liked watching it without the sound)
Check out this article on glass houses. I’m a huge fan of glass- if only it didn’t have to be cleaned so often. I think my favorite image shown here is the very first one- the blue glass house in Milan- although nobody could convince me to make my furniture match to it.
I love the colors of light playing through the glass of the Brooklyn house by Tom Fruin. Can you imagine waking up to colors like that inside your home? Too cool. We haven’t yet been to The Glass House by architect Philip Johnson- but it’s open between May and November, and nearby in New Canaan, CT- on 49 acres of land. Find out about tours here.
Still working hard, racing to open at Spring Market in High Point and our booth at the Suites at Market Square. Today was all about measuring fabric for wall coverings and writing a page on our booth schedule at the show April 16. Still not ready yet. Calls on staffing, starting forms and planning fliers. It ends here.
Enjoy a contemplative walk through The Glass House. I wish I was there!
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