Simone Crestani
A celebration of sculptural light
- Simone specialises in the lampworking technique
- In 2018, he was awarded the Talent du Luxe prize
- He works primarily with borosilicate glass
Simone Crestani began working with glass at the age of 15. In 2010, he opened his own studio, Atelier Crestani, where he creates transparent glass works through lampworking. Simone's works, which celebrate lightness and transparency with creations of crystalline purity, are inspired by the natural world and its imaginative forms. In his poetic universe, a sense of wonder dominates, and the elegance of essential lines and shapes in harmonious proportion reinforces his unique style. In 2020, Simone was recognised as a Master of Arts and Crafts by Fondazione Cologni dei Mestieri d'Arte. Through ongoing research, innovation and artistic inspiration, he continuously develops his unique style and the materials he works with. "This helps me create conceptual and poetic expressions in both my small-scale and large-sale sculptures and design projects," Simone explains.
Interview
- Has there been a defining moment in your career?
- My journey began with a chance meeting with Jean Blanchaert, who organised my first solo exhibition in 2008. This was followed by a year of quiet, which was then interrupted by the arrival of Alexandre Biaggi and Bernd Goeckler. Just a week later, I quit my job and found myself unexpectedly launched into a world bigger than I had imagined.
- How did the special lampworking technique you use come about?
- The technique was originally developed in the 1960s by Giovanni Parise, an artisan of the Veneto region who moved to Germany to work in a factory producing test tubes and glass instruments for the medical industry. When he returned to Italy, he combined these techniques with the traditional skills of glassmakers in Murano.
- What aspect of your work do you love the most?
- I cherish the freedom to pursue my passions in my own way, even while recognising that great accomplishments are rarely achieved alone. Despite having much to teach, I will always remain a student. I learn new things every day from my students and deeply appreciate all our interactions.
- How does success influence your practice?
- Success brings its own set of challenges, including high expectations, gossip and entrepreneurial responsibilities. I can manage these as long as I am engaged in something that fulfils my need for beauty. Otherwise, I choose to spend my time in nature, among the woods, on the cliffs and in silence.
Simone Crestani is a master artisan: he began his career in 2000 and he started teaching in 2012
Where
Simone Crestani
