Afro Celotto was born in Venice on August 24, 1963. He started working with glass when he was only 14 years old, apprenticing with the legendary Lino Tagliapietra. During his 12 years as first assistant to Lino Tagliapietra, Afro had the opportunity to learn from one of the greatest living glass masters. Since these early years Afro has been producing some of the world’s most beautiful art glass. Even though he is considered a “youngster” in the world of glass blowing, Afro is quickly becoming recognized by collectors for his technical ability and artistic expression.

After many years at “Effetre International”, Afro took his skills to “La Murrina” where he filled the position of “First Master”. Here he specialized in two of the oldest techniques: filigrana and murrhine. Four years later, Afro returned to “Effetre International” after being asked to replace Lino Tagliapietra, who had moved to the United States to open his own studio. Lino now often collaborates with Dale Chihuly, who has also had the opportunity to study under the famous Murano master.

The graphic sign that you see under each piece is the actual signature of the artist, Maestro Afro Celotto. He uses a special diamond point tool to handwrite it under every piece that is made by him. This is your guarantee of the authenticity and the uniqueness of each art glass piece.

The principal components of Afro’s glass are silica sand, soda and potassium which, when joined with other particular ingredients, fuse and become glass at a temperature of about 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. From the incandescent magma, blown and forged by expert hands, the world famous and renowned Murano glass objects are born. In the specific case of Afro, he uses an even more complex and difficult technique called “tociar piera” or “filigree”. Afro prepares the rods of colored glass then lets them cool down slowly. He cuts them to the size he requires to make the piece, joins them all together, reheats them and begins to give them form by means of blowing and shaping.