Artist Statement 2014

Italian Maestro Davide Salvadore continues to be inspired by primitive African and Eastern textiles and these new sculptures reveal an increased complexity in Murrine and traditional Italian carving techniques. As is typical with Salvadore, these new sculptures defy the traditional; utilizing centuries old Venetian techniques paired with opaque and thickly layered glass, Salvadore's sculptures are as evocative of the primitive carved wood works of Africa and South East Asia as they are of the traditional Muranese glass sculptures from which they originate. Salvadore's new palette, typically filled with rich umbers and earth tones, is now punctuated by intense bursts of turquoise, chartreuse, and tangerine, drawing the viewer in to an electric complexity of pattern and color.   

Salvadore is a 5th generation Muranse glassblower, and lives and works on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy.  Over the course of his distinguished career, he has collaborated with glasshouses and designers Venini, Barovier & Toso, Salviati, Yves Saint Laurent, and Christian Dior, among others.