Lino Tagliapietra, born in 1934, is an Italian glassblower. Tagliapietra is known as one of the best glassblowers to have ever lived, and his open-source philosophy of sharing his knowledge has fueled a resurgence in the craft.
It could be said that Tagliapietra was destined to become a glassblower. He was born on Murano, an Italian island that is famous for its glassblowing. He began his apprenticeship at the tender age of 11, and, 10 years later, achieved the status of the master glassblower. For the next 42 years, Tagliapietra worked in various glass-blowing factories in Murano.
In 1989, Tagliapietra decided to go solo and he became an independent artist. Since then he has exhibited in museums around the world and been awarded countless accolades. Perhaps one of his greatest contributions, however, is his willingness to share the knowledge and expertise he has gained through a lifetime of being at the top of his craft.
This willingness to share his knowledge has sparked a resurgence in glass-blowing. Tagliapietra is seen as the link between ancient Venetian blown glass and the contemporary glass art we see today. He has facilitated the return of glass blowing as an art form and not the only industry for glass items.
This openness to share his knowledge has taken him around the world, where he taught and held workshops for aspiring glass artists. Since his first trip to the United States in 1979, teaching and collaborating with fellow artists has been a core source of inspiration for his work.
Throughout his career, Tagliapietra has exhibited in countless museums across the world and racked up an impressive display of accolades while doing it. In 2021, at age 86, Tagliapietra announced his retirement from glass blowing after 75 years of practicing the craft.
1. Hopi
‘Hopi’ a glass blowing artwork, was created in 1994 by Lino Tagliapietra in Op Art style.
2. Foemina
‘Foemina’ was produced in the year 1997 by Lino Tagliapietra in Op Art style.
3. Batman
‘Batman’ was created in 1998 by Lino Tagliapietra in Op Art style.
4. Flying boats
‘Flying Boats’ was created in 1998 by Lino Tagliapietra in a Kinetic Art style.
5. Bisanzio
‘Bisanzio’ was created in 1999 by Lino Tagliapietra in an Abstract Art style.
6. Concerto Di Primavera
‘Concerto di Primavera’ was created in 2000 by Lino Tagliapietra in Op Art style.
7. Dinosaur
‘Dinosaur’ is one of the artworks from The Dinosaur series representing the drama of glassblowing made in the year 2006 in Op Art style.
8. Tatoosh
‘Tatoosh’ was created in 2009 by Lino Tagliapietra in Op Art style.