Afro Celotto

While surfing through some galleries of glass, the brilliant designs of Afro Celotto seemed to project itself off the screen and draw me into its exquisite beauty.

It is no surprise that Afro Celotto was  born and started his career in Venice, Italy.  His pieces truly reflect the vision of the great masters.

Afro started his apprenticeship under Italian glass artist Lino Tagliapietra at only 14 years of age.  When Lino moved to the United States to open his own studio, Afro took over his position as first master and now also has his own studio in Murano.  An interesting note,  Dale Chihuly the famous American glass artist has also had the opportunity to work and collaborate with Lino.

It amazes me how intricate and colorful Afro’s designs are.  He has gotten to the  point where he has moved beyond traditional glass art and clearly is venturing into new areas where he feels free to express his own ideas.

The piece above reminds me of the famous Antelope Slot Canyon in Page, Arizona.