The new generation of glass artists
- Riccardo's passion for glass prompted him to take up this craft after university
- He revived a historic workshop on the verge of closure by setting up his studio there
- He firmly believes in Murano's future
Riccardo Todesco is an artisan from Murano who runs a workshop dedicated to crafting artistic glass and other processing activities, such as glass fusion and grinding. He also offers these support activities to other local businesses. Ricardo pioneers new techniques and crafts collections that blend tradition with innovation, using only raw materials and semi-finished products sourced from the island. After earning his university degrees in Cultural Heritage Management and Business Economics, Riccardo developed a passion for glassmaking. His hands-on training under a master craftsman allowed him to combine theoretical knowledge with his practical know-how. He now focuses on creating objects from recycled glass, a process that adds complexity, experimentation and a modern slant to his work.
Interview
- What is glass fusing?
- It is a technique that uses semi-finished glass pieces. It involves assembling an object at room temperature by placing fragments next to each other, then placing them in the kiln where they melt together and solidify into a new creation upon cooling. The most challenging aspect is setting the correct temperature: a difference of just one or two degrees can ruin everything.
- What do you enjoy most about your work?
- Being able to showcase my pieces, and having the chance to bring an idea to life. When visitors come to the atelier, I show them the potential of Murano glass. People are often amazed. It is wonderful to see that what you do is admired by people from all over the world.
- How long does the apprenticeship process take?
- As with any type of glasswork, learning is ongoing. You need time to be able to make mistakes and start over, and there will always be new things to learn if you want to experiment and take things further.
- Do you feel part of a community?
- Absolutely. There are lots of small businesses here, and we all know one another in Murano. You often need to ask others for a hand, to decide how to approach things, to learn, to get materials and start or complete works, and working together is vital.
Riccardo Todesco is a rising star: he began his career in 2020
Works
Where
Riccardo Todesco
