Cristina Vezzini & Stan Chen

Glassblower

©Sylvain Deleu

Play of light

Cristina and Sheng Tsang's first studio space was very small
They work in unison
2019 was filled with unforgettable moments

Cristina Vezzini and Sheng Tsang Chen met while on a master's course for glass and ceramics at the Royal College of Art (RCA) in London. Having already mastered the manufacture of ceramics, Cristina realised very quickly that she would need a very long time to master both materials in such a way that she could implement her design ideas. At this point, she used to form transparent parts that she needed for her work from synthetic resin. When the two met, Stan was in the senior year of his master's and was already trained as a glassblower before the RCA. They soon decided to collaborate creatively, having another essential component in common: the fascination for the effect of light on glass and ceramic. Both materials are traditionally used for the construction of lamps, but rarely in direct combination. With their creative partnership, they now blend these two disciplines and materials into unified compositions; their two styles seamlessly interact, creating a compelling visual dialogue.

Interview

©Sylvain Deleu

How do you collaborate?: Cristina: Whenever Stan blows glass, I accompany him. All coldwork is created in our studio. I work on the ceramics and Stan on the finished glass bodies. We also construct there. While working we constantly check on each other. It becomes a back-and-forth process as we adapt our work to one another.
How does such a close collaboration benefit you?: Cristina: Since we are experts in different materials, we are also able to see the work of the other differently. Sometimes I have ideas for implementing glass that Stan may not have thought of because he knows the material better. Of course, it also works the other way around. This results in innovative growth for us.
When and how did you actually start?: Stan: Shortly after Cristina graduated in June 2013, we rented a three metre squared workshop in east London. For a first step in commitment, we decided to participate in London Design Week. We created a whole new collection, which we finished in less than three months.
When is a memorable moment in your professional life?: Stan: For us 2019 was a year filled with unforgettable moments. We made our first seed lamps. Then the Adrian Sassoon Gallery approached us and wanted to exhibit our work. This was a big dream come true for us. At the end of the year we also received a request from Rossana Orlandi.

Cristina Vezzini & Stan Chen are expert artisans: they began their career in 2013