Spotlight on Angelo Tiozzo

Designer Spotlight on Angelo Tiozzo Angelo Tiozzo grew up and honed his craft in Murano, Italy, the world's greatest source of glass artistry. Angelo has spent the past 40 plus years of his career as a premier glass artisan at Gala Glass in Canada.

When Angelo was 11 years old, he stopped going to school and started working in a glass workshop to help support his family through tough financial times. His younger brothers soon joined him in Murano's glass workshops, and they have all led successful careers in the glass arts.

In 1966, Angelo traveled from Murano to Canada to exhibit at Montreal's World Fair and Exposition. He knew little English and had only $20 in his pocket, but he found a home in Canada and helped build Gala Glass from the ground up.

Today, Gala Glass is a successful glass workshop providing beautiful creations to customers across North America.

Angelo Tiozzo is a glass artist with GalaGlass.com

Why did you choose glass as your artistic medium?

I was born in Murano, Italy (a small island close to Venice). Growing up in Murano, the environment was conducive to it. My father and brothers have all worked in the famous Murano glass factories.

The Murano glassmaking traditions have been celebrated around the world as being the best in the glass art form.

Now there are many great glassmakers that do not come from Murano, but to this day, when you say world-class glass artistry, people think of Murano.

What is your inspiration for your glass creations?

Everything inspires me, but I think that nature (and all its wonderful colors) is my biggest inspiration. I try to think of what people would like and make it into a work of art.

Who or what has influenced your artistic vision the most?

I studied under some of the great glassmasters of Murano, and I have learned so much from them, but the one that influenced me the most is Giorgio Bertolla, a good friend and artist who still lives in Murano.

Where do you go to get inspired to create?

Visiting other glass artists in Murano, I see different creations, and we often talk about different techniques and artistic possibilities.

What do you consider your greatest career accomplishment?

The fact that I was able to make a living doing something I love and that I am good at. Being an entrepreneur and an artist, there is always a risk that things may not work out financially as well as you would hope.

We have had our fair share of stress, obstacles and sleepless nights, but we have managed to overcome them. Gala Glass is over 40 years old so people must like what we do, and we are very thankful for their support. We know that without them, this would not be possible.

What is the biggest challenge you've faced in your work?

For any artist, the greatest challenge is to create items that people like. What is popular one year may not be the next. Finding inspiration for new creations is always the biggest challenge.

What is your favorite aspect of running a family business?

I am really lucky to work with my wife and children. Since I work long hours, it would be more difficult to have time to see them, to share goals and ideas together and to be part of their lives. The fact that I get to spend time with my family while I do something I love doing is terrific.