Alessandro
Casson
ARTIST STATEMENT
“Beyond functional glass to express balance and harmony in natural
forms and smooth surfaces. A carefuly use of colours to define the tissue
and the fabric of the background, soul of slender and organic shapes.
The textural and tactile qualities of the coldwork heighten the sculptural
effect of each piece. Fluidity, sparkle and trasparency of glass give
endless possibilities of development. These glassworks have three facets:
form, light, material.
ABOUT:
Alessandro thinks up and designs his pieces, then to make them, he works
with various master glassblowers and craftsmen (smiths, carpenters, glass
cold workers). His vision is to advance the art of glass by bringing together
various artists, each with their own technical contribution, skill, and
years of experience to be able to create a wide range of styles, with
the highest degree of workmanship. Unlike the traditional system in Murano
where secrecy of techniques and methods of design were highly guarded,
Alessandro believes that the sharing of knowledge and techniques will
only further help in the continued recognition and advancement of glass
as an art medium.
Design
In order to create his masterpieces, Alessandro first studies and draws
the pieces, giving careful consideration to the aesthetics, and the shapes
and proportions he envisions.
To verify the final visual effect of a new piece without blowing several
prototypes, a virtual object is created using computers with different
3d graphics and rendering software.
Then the production plan is sketched full scale for the glass-master to
reproduce in perfect detail, in accordance with the 20th century European
tradition of glassmaking where so often the designer’s originality
and creativity is combined with the experience and the skills of top Murano
glassblowers. The plan is precise and complete; no detail and feature
is left to chance, accompanied by specific annotations to give the master
glassblower all the information which is indispensable for the perfect
production of these complex works.
Fusing
and blowing
Transferring his ideas on paper is only the first step; then Alessandro
attends to the design of the glass canes, the colors, combinations and
the patterns. The pieces are created using a very complex and difficult
technique called “Tociar piera” (translated means Roll Up).
The patterns and colors are achieved by fusing glass threads, murrine
and various powders on a refractory stone. Here the collaboration begins
with the master glassblower who will blow the form under the watchful
eye of Alessandro.
Cold
work
Once completed, the form is carved and worked on, based on the artist’s
vision. He focuses on carving and engraving the blown glass using a study
of the alternation of opacity and transparency to create depth and texture.
An intimate knowledge of the material and of the techniques are vital for there to be a successful collaboration between the artist and various masters during this creative process.