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Brian Brenno – Artist Statement
Brian Brenno was first introduced to glass blowing in 1981 while attending a stained glass class at Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, WA. “I was hooked and have been involved with blown glass since. In 1985 I received a BFA degree in glass from California College of Arts and Crafts. For the next ten years I worked for Dale Chihuly on his glass blowing team, during this time I had the opportunity to work with some of the best glass artist in the world. In 1997 I built a glass blowing studio on Vashon Island, WA.
“Since 1989 I have been working on a series of blown glass women’s fashion hats. Quite like decorative Italian blown glass, fashion hats are highly decorated, often with floral designs, feathers and bows. After working with Italian masters, Lino Tagliapieatra and Pino Signoretto, and learning to make glass flowers, feathers and bows, I began to use the hat shape to combine technique and fashion, similar to traditional Italian chandeliers. Hats offer me an opportunity to explore the challenges of glass blowing and our relationship with fashion and everyday objects., quilts, folk art and nature.”
Brian Brenno’s Glass Blowing Studio is stop #5 on the 2023 VIVA Spring Art Studio Tour, May 6-7 & 13-14, Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 am – 5 pm. For more information on the free, self-guided tour and an interactive map, click here.
