A multifaceted artisan
- Massimo is expert in many artistic techniques
- He is inspired by his native Ferrara’s heritage
- His works mix tradition and innovation
Thanks to a 360-degree training across artistic techniques and a wide variety of materials, Massimo Travagli is at once glassmaker, decorator, sculptor and restorer. After several years of apprenticeship and experience in various workshops in Italy and abroad, in 1989, he opened his own atelier in Ferrara, where his cultural roots lie. The heritage of the city which gave life to one of the most original expressions of the Italian Renaissance and which inspired the atmospheres of De Chirico's Metaphysics is an important source of creativity for Massimo. Here he creates artistic stained glass windows. Although he applies techniques that relate to the great historical tradition of this craft, he also introduces contemporary methods and innovative materials such as epoxy resins. Over the years he has grown particularly skilled at using resins, in fact..
Interview
- What are your main sources of inspiration?
- At the beginning, one of my main sources of inspiration was Louis Confort Tiffany, an essential point of reference for the quality of glass used in his lamps. Later, I was also inspired by the Renaissance painters of Ferrara, in particular by Francesco del Cossa.
- What do you love most about your job?
- Self-employment and its inherent freedom of action allow me to continue to 'play' with different materials in a professional way, over the years. That is why I am able to live my work days always with great pleasure, despite them being tiring.
- Which techniques do you feel particularly comfortable with?
- Most of all I recognise myself in painting classical works on glass with grisaille and enamels, and in creating glass sculptures. I am expert in the use of epoxy resins together with glass and other materials, in order to create particular effects in stained glass windows and contemporary art sculptures.
- What was a memorable moment of your career?
- I almost had a completely different path: in 1990 I was exhibiting my stained glass windows at the Bologna Fair when I got an important job offer from an emir. Everything was ready to fly away when, unfortunately, the Gulf War broke out. Obviously, I did not take that plane.
Massimo Travagli is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1989
Where
Massimo Travagli
