Stefano Villa

Lampworker

Powerfully delicate

Stefano inherited the tradition from his father
The workshop collaborates with architects and designers
He innovates traditional glassblowing techniques

By taking over the reins of his father’s workshop Stefano Villa is continuing a family tradition. As a glassblower he is always seeking to harness fire and light. Although his work is based on traditional techniques, he strives to give it his own signature through his own personal techniques and innovations. Working in close contact with specialists, such as architects and well-known designers, finding new ideas and ways of working comes naturally, creating a connection between the experience of the craftsman and the experimental approach of a designer, giving shape to their needs, ideas and projects. Stefano’s commissions are wide ranging giving him the constant opportunity to innovate resulting in new outcomes.

Interview

What was the first object you made?: It is difficult to think of the first creation that can be called an object, but I remember that during the first years of work in the workshop, at 17 years old, I specialised in making glass spikes, I made thousands of them.
What do you love most about your profession?: I love the fact that it is very varied, every time I create a new object, it is necessary to research new techniques, methods and working solutions. The beauty of my work is that you never stop learning and experimenting.
What is a memorable moment in your career?: Honestly, I wouldn’t exclude any of them, they were all useful in their own way. Then there were some proud moments, without being too sentimental, the few times that I heard my father tell others that I was learning well, those were unforgettable moments.
What does “well made” mean to you?: When an idea in your head or a sketch is transformed into something physical and real that corresponds to what you imagined and wanted. Translating ideas into tangible projects is always a joy.

Stefano Villa is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1985