Master glassblower Antoine Pierini was born in 1980 into a family of artists, pioneers of the “French Studio Glass Movement.” His father, Robert Pierini, uncle and aunt, Alain and Marysa Begou, and his cousin, Xavier Carrère, are among France’s most famous glass artists, credited with bringing blown glass work back to the fore in the period between 1980 to 2000.
During his adolescence, Antoine observed the “niche” world of glass through exhibitions and travelling. At his father’s school, he acquired the basic techniques and movements for working with blown glass, and discovered the pleasure of mastering this molten material.
The budding artist continued his apprenticeship through training courses, residencies, and receptions at various artists’ studios, museums (MusVerre Sars-Poterie France, Museum Of Glass Tacoma USA) and international art centres (Pilchuck in the USA and Cesty Skla Ways of Glass in the Czech Republic). Antoine’s artistic vision was enriched and refined through his travels and encounters with the greatest names in glass, including Dale Chihuly, Lino Tagliapietra, Davide Salvadore, Martin Janecky, Preston Singletary, Raven Skyriver, and Kelly O’Dell.
Using a clean, uncluttered style, the artist broaches a sculptural world. His art and his passion for glass is expressed by imagining works that are fascinating as much for their colours as for their shapes, taking inspiration from the heritage left by man and his relationship with nature.
His approach is inspired by observing nature and the Mediterranean cultural heritage.
“My works invite you on a journey in space and time, and are intended to be full of life. My wish is for them to be able to call out to the viewer and raise questions in their mind, so as to arouse intense emotions in them.”
