How did you begin your career?
I had to struggle: as a child, I dreamed of being a glass artist, but my father, a baker, was very worried about my future. And in Murano it was very difficult, nearly impossible, for those born outside the traditional families of glass. Yet I insisted.
Did you learn from a master?
My friend Vanni taught to me the rudiments of glass lampworking. He made me create glass candies, only candies, for years: that’s how you can learn anything you need. Later he helped me to open my own workshop in Venice. He was fundamental in my life.
© Claudia Lorriana Manzo
How is your work linked to the Blaschkas?
The Blaschkas, celebrated Bohemian glass artists, had a crucial role. I met them by chance, when I bumped into a Swiss show of their artworks: from them I learned a totally different way to see glass and then stopped working for the souvenir market.
Are you mostly inspired by sea life?
Yes, I’m inspired by my love for the sea, for boating and for the Venice lagoon. Also, there are some aesthetic reasons: mainly thinking of the bright fish, for which the Murano glass colours are perfect. I was so proud to exhibit my works at the Murano Glass Museum in 2016.