The Exclusive Experience (Ages 14 and up)
Enjoy the most intimate and fascinating experience of Murano craftsmanship: lampworking. In this private workshop (maximum 2 participants at a time), you will sit directly at the workbench in front of the flame to learn the secrets of a centuries-old technique.
Under my constant guidance, you will learn to interact with glass in its fluid state, defying gravity and colors to bring your Murano glass beads to life. The creative journey will culminate in the assembly of your creations into an exclusive Totem sculpture, a unique three-dimensional work that will embody your personal artistic signature. It is an intense, focused, and deeply hypnotic experience, reserved for adults and children aged 14 years and up.
How the Workshop Works:
Step 1: First Contact with the Flame
We will begin with a theoretical introduction and a practical demonstration of the fundamental techniques. I will teach you how to coordinate your movements and understand how glass reacts to heat. With my constant support, you will have your first encounter with the open flame, heating the solid glass rod until it becomes soft as honey.
Step 2: Creating and Decorating the Beads
We will then move on to the actual shaping. You will wrap the molten glass around a steel core, learning to rotate the melt to achieve harmonious volumes. You will use colored rods, granules, or traditional murrine to decorate the surface of each element, creating unique textures and shades.
Step 3: Design and Assembly of the Totem
Once the hot work is complete, we will focus on the compositional study of your Totem. You will select and arrange the beads you have made along the vertical supporting structure, alternating shapes, sizes, and color contrasts. We will study the overall visual harmony before the final assembly of your sculpture.
️ Absolute Safety and a Dedicated Workstation
Lampworking requires the utmost care. You will work at a professional workstation equipped with suitable extraction systems. We will provide you with all the necessary Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), including the essential goggles with didymium lenses (specifically designed to protect your eyes from the glare of the flame). I will be by your side at all times to ensure that your experience is a memorable one in complete safety.
⚠️ Collection of the Work
Immediate collection: As soon as they are finished, the pearls must rest in an annealing furnace (or muffle furnace) for very slow cooling. This process eliminates internal stresses and ensures the stability of the glass. Your assembled Totem sculpture will be ready to be picked up the next day.
✈️ Shipping option: If you are no longer in Venice or Murano the next day, no problem! I will finish the beads, assemble the Totem, and ship the work directly to your home (shipping cost not included).
