“There is something both dramatic and dynamic about
the manipulation of a molten mass of glass, such that the
process has almost as much appeal for me as does the
product. Hot glass is a medium in constant motion, where
balance, timing and rhythm are the essential tools in the
process. Once you start, you can’t stop until it is
done, and after twenty years in glass, I’ve conceded
that it is the glass that is really in control, as much as
I would like to think otherwise. It is always fascinating
for me to see how the influences of my experiences and
environment manifest themselves in the work that I
do.”
Born and educated in Hawaii, Michael James Mortara is
currently a full time glass artist with a studio designed
and built on three acres of rain forest, situated at the
three thousand foot elevation adjacent to the Volcano
National Park on the Island of Hawaii. The studio is set up
for the production of the limited edition series designed
by the Mortaras. they include blown, cast and fused glass.
Michael’s wife Misato Mortara designs and produces
her own work in the studio as well as collaborating
together with Michael.