Hidden within the mystical island of Murano are Venetian glassmaking secrets. They have been passed down from generation to generation, Maestro to apprentice for over a thousand years. To see those secrets taking form was one of the most remarkable experiences I have had

Last summer, on the Habatat Galleries Glass Tour, I had the pleasure of visiting the studio of glass Maestro Davide Salvadore. Watching him and his son handle hot glass with fluid motion and tranquil precision became the highlight of my visit to Murano.

Inspirations from those musical instruments coupled with the colors, textiles and ceremonial costumes of Africa gave life to his artistic vision. Although these sculptures are fictional they share characteristics with the soulful West African “Kora” or the stringed “Seperewa” of Ghana. Two of the instruments within this new series, the “Spingarpa” and the “Chitimara,” reveal texture derived from the shifting sands of the Sahara while capturing the brilliant colors of dazzling sunsets of Africa.

We are truly honored to have Maestro Davide Salvadore for our exhibition in March and look forward to the spectacular visual melodies in this new body of work.

-Corey Hampson-