UBS Monocle
Modernising a time-tested craft
Matteo Gonet
Founder, Glassworks
Over the past 20 years, Matteo Gonet’s eponymous glassworks has established a rolodex of impressive clients in the worlds of art, design and architecture. While the drama of delicate glass emerging from fiery kilns is timeless, the company is forging ahead with new ways to make the practice more sustainable.
“Glassblowing as a craft is at least 2,000 years old,” says Gonet. “I was attracted to that tradition and to the physical aspects of it. It’s difficult to invent new ways with such an old material so it’s more about reinterpreting the techniques and shapes. And using new methods to heat the kilns.”
Much talk in the glassblowing industry today centres on the energy that you’re using, but Gonet says that this has always been important. “Today we’re moving from gas to electricity and in Switzerland we have the chance to use up to 80 per cent green energy. We have to make our process as clean as possible – that’s really important.” Glassblowing, says Gonet, needs patience and a commitment to the material. “It gives you a good reason to get up in the morning,” he adds. “I started glassblowing when I was 15 and, even now, with a full-time team of 10 people, I’m always happy to spend half my time in the workshop. “It structures your identity and your life – at least for me.”
See pieces from Glassworks Matteo Gonet at the following Art Basel booths: Galerie Gisèle Linder, Galerie Nagel Draxler, Pilar Corrias.
