Pietro Viero

Myver

Glassblower

©Chiara Vaccari

The graceful intensity of glass

Pietro has dedicated his life to studying and experimenting with glass
He is inspired by his emotions and the world that surrounds him
He works with artists and designers to create special projects

Master glassblower Pietro Viero is the founder of Myver, an artisan workshop located in Molvena, in the province of Vicenza. He began his training at the age of 16 in the workshop of famous master craftsmen. "At the beginning I was just having fun," he says, "but as the months passed I became more and more fascinated with the many things that I could create with glass. It became my passion, and a path of studies and research that still continues today." He specialises in the time-honoured technique of lampworking, with which he creates inspiring hand blown glass objects. At first glance they may seem extremely fragile and delicate, but in reality their quality is very high, compared to ordinary glass. Each piece is unique and can be customised with engravings and any other type of detail.

Interview

©Chiara Vaccari

©Chiara Vaccari

What do you love most about your craft?: I like to put myself to the test, discovering new production techniques sometimes after tests and attempts that have ended in very unexpected and surprising results. I also love the exchange of ideas and the dialogue with designers and architects.
How do you balance tradition and innovation?: Tradition and innovation are not two separate things. When you innovate, you are not creating new things, you are maintaining and renewing a tradition. What is important is to master the tradition thoroughly, in order to reinterpret it with contemporary aesthetics.
Is there anything about your craft that people don't normally know?: When people see me work, they think it’s easy and that it takes very little time to make an object. In fact, to create an object that is simple in appearance requires a lot of patience, care and attention, and a manual dexterity that can only be achieved with years of practice.
Do you train apprentices?: I’m afraid that in recent years very few young people have been interested in taking on this profession. It is a craft that can't be learned easily, but takes many years of experience, perseverance and diligence.

Pietro Viero is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1982