AFRO CELOTTO

Afro Celotto was born in Venice, on Burano island, on August 24, 1963. Much quieter and less crowded than other Venetian islands, Burano is quite colorful; houses facades there, were painted with brilliant colors cause fishermens desire to identify their own houses from far out at sea. In his childhood, surrounded by colors, Afro developed an unique sensibility, that joined with his innate artistic sense, took him to the artist's world. He started working with glass when he was only 14 years old, apprenticing with the legendary Lino Tagliapietra. During his 12 years as first assistant to Lino Tagliapietra, Afro had the opportunity to learn from one of the greatest living glass masters.

Since these early years Afro has been producing some of the world’s most beautiful artistic glass, becoming recognized by collectors for his technical ability and artistic expression. After many years at “Effetre International”, Afro took his skills to “La Murrina” as “First Master”. There he specialized in two of the oldest techniques: filigrana and murrine. Four years later, Afro returned to “Effetre International”, after being asked to replace Lino Tagliapietra, who had moved to the United States to open his own studio.