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Luigi Bellini's family dates back many generations to Firenze (Florence) Italy and the surrounding Tuscany area. After 20 years in the Leather design business, Signor Bellini decided to follow his love of color and opened the only all Venetian glass store in Florence. After several years with a partner, he struck out on his own and opened Venice Glass on Via de' Calzaliuoli, the famous street that connects Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, two of the most recognizable sights in the world.
Luigi's love of Venetian and Murano glass is reflected in the colors and artistic creativity of each piece. He works with designers from Murano, Italy, an island in the lagoon just north of Venice in the Adriatic Sea. Centuries ago, Venetian glass was handblown in furnaces in Venice and after fears of the wooden structures burning, and basically the island itself, the artisans were ordered to leave and continued their work on Murano Island. Many speculate glassblowing was such a lucrative business that the Italian Republic did not want their secrets shared, therefore banishing these talented individuals to an island where they and their secrets were guarded, and guaranteeing a monopoly on this highly prized and profitable profession. Therefore Venetian and Murano Glass are basically the same thing.
Because all the work is done on an island, everything must be taken to and from the island by boat. It is expensive just transporting goods to and from these islands and if the Adriatic Sea kicks up, all transportation stops until calmer waters prevail. You can feel the excitement build with the locals as they watch the approaching storm. They know the importance of getting off the island if they live on the mainland. Luigi has experienced this firsthand several times. He avoids trips to Murano Island in the winter because these storms produce fierce winds and the rain is chilling, plus it is very scary if you miss the last vaporettoes (taxi boats) off the island to safety.
Signor Bellini works with artisans from other areas near Murano Island. These highly trained artisans credit their talents to centuries old techniques and the love of their work is shown in jewelry, chandeliers and sculptures. Luigi explains that Murano glass should be very clear, the colors are always distinctive, not cloudy like the imitations that often claim to be authentic handblown Murano glass. He further states that Murano glass is a mystery, meaning that when one looks at a piece, depending on their emotional mood, the piece will appear differently in their mind's eye, thus the beauty of Murano is deeply felt for the person that wears the art and for the observer. These talented craftsmen and women work well with Luigi as he describes the pieces that he has created and they work diligently to produce the lovely and beautiful wearable art. Each handblown piece of Luigi Bellini art is enjoyed by those respectful of the craftsmanship and painstaking efforts in making these unique pieces of Murano glass jewelry.
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