Valentin Rizzo - Instant suspendu

In my work, I seek to exploit the fabulous potential of glass, its plurality. Glass has many facets that are at once opposing and inseparable. Exploiting these facets is about playing with balance in creation. For me, it is an essential principle that governs far more than physical laws. Being a glassblower means finding the perfect rhythm, between anticipation and spontaneity, it means challenging gravity. Is that not the most beautiful balance?

In my series of pieces “Suspended Moment,” I aim to play with balance. They are true balances; the pieces are worked separately and assembled according to their natural point of balance. In order to secure the display of the works, I then apply a UV collage between the two glass pieces. I am fascinated by the visual effects that can be created by playing with transparency and opacity, which allows me to develop a very elegant universe. This material is naturally brilliant and “luminous,” but it is possible to treat the surface to satin it, to make it matte. This play of texture gives very interesting effects; I find it particularly appropriate for my work with solid glass.

Solid glass possesses a very particular vibration between lightness and solidity; we can simultaneously see it as full or empty, and that confuses the senses. Finding the right balance between these different aspects is very important to me. I strive to create a piece that is both complex and visually simple, while revealing a very wide universe to explore in terms of details.

To work with solid glass, one proceeds by adding layers of glass and builds the interior décor from the inside outward. This enables multiple levels of decor and creates very powerful contrasts. Thanks to meticulous work in sizing, I can then create windows of transparency and visual imbalances; this allows me to play with the emotions and perceived feelings of the viewer.