Venice
Venice is normally a bustling tourist mecca, but with its streets quiet, local artisans are still hard at work, using the skills they’ve spent a lifetime honing. In Murano, an eleventh-generation glass blower plays with fire as he works to pass on his trade to a dutiful apprentice--his son. Along the Venetian canals, a pair of sisters carry on their father’s legacy as they learn to repair the iconic vessels that glide through the city’s waterways. One man continues the tradition of etching in gold leaf, an art that can be traced back seven centuries, but with no one to share his skills with, he may be the last of his kind. With a family tradition of mirror-making that goes back five hundred years, a new generation continues to innovate as they launch the business into the twenty-first century. These stories and more show how Venetian artists use skills passed down through history along with modern techniques to forge their own unique visions--elegant, powerful, and made with love.
Master Glassmakers
Davide Salvadore is an eleventh generation glassmaker in Murano. Davide began as an apprentice six decades ago first learning to work with glass, with his grandfather. Now Davide is also sharing the craft with his son. Marco Salvadore, who is a twelfth generation glassmaker, assists with bringing to life the sculptures his father, Davide, envisions. Davide is one of the last three master glassmakers of Murano, creating beautiful glass art that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Check out more of Davide’s work: davidesalvadore.com
Mask Makers
Beautiful, handmade masks are one of Italy’s most prized creations. The finest masks are always in high demand in Italy, and one Venetian family is part of the creative genius behind the gorgeous heirlooms. Stefano Gottardo, a master of masks, has spent years perfecting his craft. Once formed, Stefano passes the masks to his sister, Manuela, and wife, Eliana, to adorn. The women put their own creative spin on each mask. This personal touch brings their masks to a new level. Each one is unique with different designs and embellishments including elaborate painted patterns to 24 karat gold leaves.
Boat Repairers
The gondola is one of Italy’s most iconic figures. The classic watercraft is crucial for both fun and function, but they do need upkeep. Sister duo Elisabetta and Elena Tramontin run the family business, repairing Venice’s prized gondolas. Some were actually built by the sisters’ father and grandfather. Every year, local boat owners bring their gondolas and other craft to the Tramontins for maintenance. . The detailed craftsmanship, along with Elisabeth’s and Elena’s eyes for perfection, help make sure these boats are strong and seaworthy for generations to come.
Learn more about the Tramontin’s family and business: Squero Tramotin
Mirror Makers
The Barbinis are mirror-making royalty. This family has been making mirrors in Murano for nearly 500 years. One of their ancestors even helped create the legendary hall of mirrors at the Palace of Versailles. The roots run so deep, the current generation of Barbinis makes mirrors in a workshop built by their grandfather. The prized family formula along with detailed cuts and designs bring their famous mirrors to life.
Check more of the Barbini’s work: Barbini Specchi
Foundry
In a city that once fostered many classical metal workers, the Valese Foundry is one of the few that remain. Passed down through generations, Carlo Semenzato now runs his family business in Venice. The sand casting technique they use to create their masterpieces was first pioneered in China more than 2,500 years ago. Now Carlo teaches his apprentice Andrea Tenderini the trade secrets so that Andrea may carry on this rich tradition.
Check out more of Carlo and Andrea’s work: Valese Foundry
Marble Paper Maker
Marble paper making first came to Italy through Venice, back in the 16th century. Inspired by an old manual describing marble paper making, Alberto Valese vowed to learn how to do it for himself and reinvigorate the artistry in Venice. Today, Alberto creates beautiful designs with paint, then gently lays paper on top creating the marble effect. Alberto’s flair in experimentation with his art allows him to create masterpieces.
Check out more of Alberto’s work: Alberto Valese Maestro Ebru
Gold Leaf Artist
Marco Toso Borella is a Venetian painter, writer, musician and historical researcher. He was born and still lives in Murano, where he is the sixth generation in his family to use the ancient artistic technique graffiti on gold. The age-old “graffito” technique – the engraving of 24K gold leaf applied to glass – has been the legacy of the Toso Borella family for centuries. Marco’s highly sought after works are kept in private collections all over the world.
Check out more of Marco’s work: Marco Toso Borella
