Art Ciccotti’s journey into the world of glassblowing began with a passion ignited during his time at Iowa State University. Originally from Southern California, Ciccotti relocated to Ames, Iowa, where he pursued a degree in Art and Design with an emphasis in Art Education. It was at Iowa State that he discovered his love for glassblowing through “The Gaffers’ Guild.” After graduating in 1987, Ciccotti built his first studio, setting the foundation for what would become a lifelong pursuit of artistic excellence. Over the years, he expanded his knowledge by attending workshops across the U.S., refining his skills and pushing the boundaries of his craft.
Although he began with formal instruction, Ciccotti considers himself largely self-taught, developing a distinct style rooted in Venetian glassworking techniques. “My current designs have roots in Venetian glass working techniques,” he explains. “The use of a roll up of glass (tocar pierre) allows me to put together designs that can vary from the random composition of a Garden Walk Platter to a very controlled design using cane and murrine.” His love for bright colors and curvilinear forms is evident in his work, as he continuously experiments with new color combinations, shapes, and functionalities. Each piece he creates is a testament to his evolving expertise and deep appreciation for the medium.
For Ciccotti, glassblowing is not just an art but an exhilarating process that fuels his creativity. “I blow glass because of the rush of seeing an object take shape from a white-hot mass to a finished piece,” he says. “After weeks of planning, sometimes months, the design comes together in a piece within a short period of time. It is intense!” His approach to glassblowing is both meticulous and intuitive, balancing careful planning with the spontaneity required to manipulate molten glass at temperatures exceeding 2,100°F. The result is a unique piece that provides both visual and tactile pleasure.
Much of Ciccotti’s work draws inspiration from the natural world, evoking elements of flowers, weather, and animals without attempting to replicate them exactly. “My intent is not to recreate these things exactly, but to make visual reference to them. These things have a natural beauty to which we can connect.” Influenced by artists such as Henry Moore and Gauguin, as well as master glassblowers like Lino Tagliapietra and William Morris, Ciccotti has developed a distinctive style that merges abstract forms with the elegance of Venetian techniques. His use of vibrant colors and organic shapes reflects his admiration for these artistic pioneers while remaining uniquely his own.
Today, Ciccotti’s studio, Ciccotti Art Glass, is a renowned establishment in the Midwest, celebrated for its innovation and craftsmanship. Each piece he creates begins with careful planning—deciding on size, colors, and form—before being brought to life through a physically demanding and mesmerizing process. “I enjoy the process and physical challenge of working with a material that is drawn out of the furnace with a pipe at 2100°,” he shares. “Within an amazingly short time, this molten material is blown and shaped into a form that can be held the next day.” Through his dedication and artistry, Ciccotti continues to inspire, ensuring that his work brings joy to others for generations to come.
