Emanuel Toffolo

Lampworker

Entomology in lamp glass

Emanuel’s creations are known the world over
He has made multi-award-winning documentaries about the art of glassmaking
His family has been crafting glass in Burano for four generations

Emanuel Toffolo was born in Burano and has been breathing the air of glass workshops ever since he was a child. In fact he belongs to a lineage of famous glassmakers, and his father Cesare is an artist of international standing. Emanuel finished art school in Venice, and around the age of 20 began to develop a passion for lampworking. He is drawn to natural themes, particularly the world of invertebrates, so he specialises in reproducing insects, a type of work which requires great technical skill. From America to Japan via Europe and South Korea, he not only fosters development and interest in the art of glassmaking by working with it, but also by telling its story in documentaries that convey his passion for music and photography.

Interview

Why did you open your studio on Burano?: I have always been attached to the island: my mother is from Burano, and I grew up here. It was a natural choice, not just because of family ties, but also because there are artisans and artists I frequent, respect and often work with here.
What is it about glass that attracts you most?: I am a history buff, so what appeals to me most is that it has been made for thousands of years now. In spite of technological progress, which has made the production process simpler, some incredibly beautiful objects made in the past remain hard to replicate.
What helps you recreate natural subjects?: Sometimes I start with illustrations and photographs. Other times I use natural subjects, but I adapt reality to suit the materials. Realism does not always turn out to be the best choice. The praying mantis is my favourite insect but technically it is very challenging to make.
As a film director, what have you aimed to portray in your documentaries?: I wanted to feature artworks made of glass, but also the master craftspeople who make them. Not to mention what inspires them, and the meetings and events that helped shape the artists famed the world over.

Emanuel Toffolo is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2001