It?s a seductive art: molten globs of clear, white and black glass melted into shapely, lustrous forms.
Blending industry and artistry, nationally acclaimed Baltimore wonder Anthony Corradetti blows white-hot liquid glass into intricately designed bowls, vases and platters.
The fire, heat and sense of timing drew Corradetti to glass.
These aspects, “with the fact that one can never actually touch the glass at the end of the blowpipe,” make the glassblowing process appealing, he said.
Commanding high-pressure blow-torches, searing metal poles, 2,000-degree open furnaces and sizzling tools, Corradetti can create several simple pieces in two days.
However, more elaborate, larger vessels with overlapping paints on the glass take nearly two months to perfect.
Two assistants work with Corra=detti each day to manage the element of immediate danger ? thescorching flames ? and enhance the creative process.
“You always need an assistant. It?s not much fun to do it yourself. My ideas for a piece change as I go along, and any little step can screw a piece up,” Corradetti said.
Corradetti?s studio offers intensive workshops for beginners or those who “get glass blowing in their blood and have to keep coming,” he said. Classes are held during weekday evenings and weekdays.
“The process is addictive, and it?s easy to see why,” said Gayla Lee, one of Corradetti?s assistants.
For nearly 25 years, Corradetti?s previous studio was the only hot-glass-blowing shop in Baltimore. Inside his new workspace in Clipper Mill, Corradetti recently created a teardrop vase for HGTV?s cameras. The segment is scheduled to air on “That?s Clever” at noon today.
On Nov. 30, Corradetti?s Studio will celebrate its grand opening with free, live demonstrations, music, food and wine. The party will extend out the studio?s doors into the Clipper Mill artist community.
Corradetti Glass Studio
Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday or by appointment.
Location: 2010 Clipper Park Road, Suite 119, Baltimore.
Information: 410-243-2010, [email protected] and www.corradetti.com.
