Flying Boats 1998

Lino Tagliapietra created these stunning 'Flying Boats' out of glass. Not just any glass, but the molten, glowing stuff that demands years of practice to master. Look closely at the surface of each form. You will see the traces of the artist's hand, of the tools he used to shape the hot glass. The ribbed effect is achieved through a technique called rigaree, where thin glass threads are applied to the surface, then fused into the body. Tagliapietra's process is deeply rooted in the Venetian tradition of glassblowing, a craft passed down through generations. But he is not just repeating old formulas. He's pushing the boundaries of the material, proving that even an ancient practice can be a vehicle for innovation. With each delicate curve and vibrant color, he elevates glass from a mere material to a powerful expression.