Contemporary American glass artist Joe Cariati's Ivory and Whisky Glass Collection, consisting of seven pieces, is quintessentially modern in both function and style, showcasing a purity of form, elegant lines, and graceful curves. His work is entirely 'free blown,' a traditional Venetian glass blowing technique that relies on human skill rather than molds to shape vessels from start to finish. He begins the process by gathering a thick, honey-like amount of molten glass on a blowpipe. Air is blown into the pipe to form a bubble, which is then layered with pre-heated color and additional glass until the required amount is collected. At the glassblower's bench, where most of the shaping occurs, Joe expertly molds the material into the final vessel. Due to the rapid cooling of the glass, it must be frequently reheated in a 'reheat chamber' to stay malleable for shaping.
A distinctive feature of Joe's method is the use of a 'punty,' a solid rod to which the glass is transferred for further refinement of the vessel's neck, body, and foot. This technique allows for the creation of unique features such as the elegant necks of the Angelic Bottles and the signature 'T-top' lips of the Decanters, which cannot be replicated by machines or molds.
After the vessel is shaped, it is removed from the punty and placed in an annealing oven to cool slowly overnight, enhancing its durability and preventing breakage. The next day, each piece is further refined in the cold working studio, where it is precisely ground with a diamond lapidary machine to ensure a perfectly flat base. This meticulous hand-finishing process sets Joe's work apart from mass-produced glassware. Each piece is signed and dated on the bottom. These are made to order pieces and will ship directly from the artist's studio
Shown in the first photo, from left to right:
Topaz Wide Angelic Bottle (11.25” H x 5.75” W), Topaz Low Arc Petite Decanter (9.5” H x 8.75” W), Ivory Carmella Barware Tall Bottle (17” H x 4.75” W), Ivory Carmella Barware Low Round (12.25” H x 9” W), Topaz Large Angelic Bottle (19.5” H x 4.25” W), Ivory Carmella Barware High Shoulder (15.75” H x 6.25” W), Topaz Angelic Flask Bottle (12.5” H x 8.5” W x 2.5”D)
About the artist:
Born in 1971 in Seattle, Washington, Joe Cariati showed an early passion for glass and sculpture, leading him to study at prestigious institutions like Pilchuck Glass School, San Francisco State University, Haystack Mountain School, Penland School of Crafts, and briefly at Ohio State University. His artworks have been featured in major exhibitions such as "Subtexture" in San Francisco, "Painting With Light" in Palos Verdes, and "20/20 Vision" at the Museum of American Glass in New Jersey, reflecting his significant impact on contemporary crafts.
In 2003, Joe founded the Los Angeles Glass Center, where he continues to perfect his skills and expand his creative limits as a glassblower, designer, and teacher in his studio.
Joe's creations are included in esteemed collections like the Museo Italo Americano in San Francisco and the Museum of American Glass in New Jersey, as well as in private and corporate collections, including Banana Republic / Gap Incorporated. He has received numerous accolades, such as the Modesto Lanzone Award and a nomination for the Saxe Award, and has been a vital educator, teaching at California State University Fullerton and various schools worldwide.
His work and perspectives have been highlighted in leading publications including Artweek, Bon Appetit, Elle Decoration, House Beautiful, Town and Country, and Vogue. Joe's influence continues to inspire both emerging and established artists through his innovative approach to glass art and sculpture.
