The alchemy of glass 

Blown, moulded, sculpted  

A glass sculpture is an embodiment of both matter and light. It draws brightness from its surroundings, inviting onlookers to linger and look from every angle, lending the sculpture deeper meaning. 

In our studios, the alchemy of glass begins in the glow of the furnace, where it takes on the viscosity of honey. Silica forms the heart of the material, with heat-resistant metal oxide pigments added to create a spectrum of vibrant colours and textures, reminiscent of the vivid hues found in ceramic glazes.

Since its inception, Centre du Verre Contemporain in Biot has been a beacon for master glassblowers, designers and glass artists from around the globe. They draw on a full array of techniques to reshape the concepts of form and feeling, from the representational to the abstract, and the dialogue in between. The CVC cultivates contemporary creation by way of a fusing kiln, where thin layers of glass come together, and a casting kiln, where molten glass is poured into moulds, as in bronze casting. When the glass sets, it is also sculpted in the truest sense, pared back to reveal its final form. 

Glasswork is a balancing act in which poetic vision, technical prowess and physical exertion all come into play. The artistry involved demands teamwork and synchrony, without which the magic couldn’t happen. Each artisan strikes a vital chord in the ensemble, and timing is crucial. Depending on the thickness of the glass, everything can play out in less than a minute. 

The CVC  team excels through its ability to combine the dual artistry of blown glass and engraving, in addition to metalworking. Here, skills are passed down, reinvented and reborn, in an endless cycle of evolution and transformation.