Lino Tagliapietra | in the moment

STOCKBRIDGE, MA: Schantz Galleries proudly presents an exhibition of works by Maestro Lino Tagliapietra, one of the world’s most accomplished artists working with glass. As the late James Yood, professor of art history at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago wrote, “there are probably no two words more respected and honored in the history of modern sculpture in glass than ‘Lino Tagliapietra’; he is the living bridge, the crucial link between the august history of Venetian glass and the ceaseless wonders of what today we call the modern Studio Glass Movement”.

Certainly, the definition of what is Contemporary is always on the move — secured in the present with a beginning that, from this point, moves forward. Like time, it doesn't stop, and it doesn't come back. An early influence on the Studio Glass Movement in the United States, Lino Tagliapietra continues to work and find inspiration in the cultural diversities and technological advances of the world. His work is an energetic combination of methods, ideas, and the mastery of techniques that continue to challenge him as an artist.

Schantz Galleries presents thirty new works by Maestro Lino Tagliapietra featuring his most recent innovations in glass. Tagliapietra, who will be at the event, is proud to introduce two of his newest innovations; a large installation of blown glass leaf forms cascading along the wall, and an illuminated sculpture which integrates LED with a vibrantly colored, fused glass panel.

On view in the special works area of the show, is a rendition of the Secret Garden (Lagoon), which references the blue hues of the Venetian waters. Named for Venice’s hidden parks, the Secret Garden installations features individually blown leaves, which spread across the wall as if scattered by a gentle breeze.

Lino also created works that reflect upon his trip to Taiwan in the spring of 2017, where he had a solo exhibition in Taipei. One panel from the Taipei series will be shown in Palm Beach and feature a monochromatic design reminiscent of inky calligraphy.

For Lino, to love glass is also to love life. It means to embrace the harmonious elements of life that are so uniquely reflected in glass. It means to communicate this reverence and spread joy through beautiful works of art.

When asked how does he keep transforming these new forms, ideas, and techniques after more than seventy years, Lino explained the key is to “listen to the intuition and make space for the imagination, and then...you must do it.”