Artist Statement
Beyond functional glass Casson wishes to express balance and harmony in natural forms and smooth surfaces. With a careful use of colors to define the tissue and the fabric of the background, he creates the soul of slender and organic shapes. The textural and tactile qualities of the cold work heightens the sculptural effect of each piece. Fluidity, sparkle and transparency of glass gives him endless possibilities of development. These glassworks have three facets: form, light, material.
About
Alessandro designs his pieces, then to make them, he works with various master glassblowers and craftsmen (smiths, carpenters, glass cold workers). His vision is to advance the art of glass by bringing together various artists, each with their own technical contribution, skill, and years of experience to be able to create a wide range of styles, with the highest degree of workmanship. Unlike the traditional system in Murano where secrecy of techniques and methods of design were highly guarded, Alessandro believes that the sharing of knowledge and techniques will only further help in the continued recognition and advancement of glass as an art medium.
Design
In order to create his masterpieces, Alessandro first studies and draws the pieces, giving careful consideration to the aesthetics, and the shapes and proportions he envisions.
To verify the final visual effect of a new piece without blowing several prototypes, a virtual object is created using computers with different 3d graphics and rendering software.
Then the production plan is sketched full scale for the glass-master to reproduce in perfect detail, in accordance with the 20th century European tradition of glass making where so often the designer’s originality and creativity is combined with the experience and the skills of top Murano glassblowers. The plan is precise and complete; no detail and feature is left to chance, accompanied by specific annotations to give the master glassblower all the information which is indispensable for the perfect production of these complex works.
Fusing and Blowing
Transferring his ideas on paper is only the first step; then Alessandro attends to the design of the glass canes, the colors, combinations and the patterns. The pieces are created using a very complex and difficult technique called “Tociar piera” (translated means Roll Up). The patterns and colors are achieved by fusing glass threads, murrine and various powders on a refractory stone. Here the collaboration begins with the master glassblower who will blow the form under the watchful eye of Alessandro.
Cold Work
Once completed, the form is carved and worked on, based on the artist’s vision. He focuses on carving and engraving the blown glass using a study of the alternation of opacity and transparency to create depth and texture.
An intimate knowledge of the material and of the techniques are vital for there to be a successful collaboration between the artist and various masters during this creative process.
