MARIO BELLI CRISTALLO LAVORATO A MANO

MARIO BELLI: A SCULPTOR IN GLASS

The tecnical skill that can only come from years of hand work, combined with a search for new experimental methods, is what makes Mario Belli so very special.

Belli firt started work as a glass grinder in the 1950's and now, after 50 years' experience,he is a real and quite unique artist in the craft of glass engraving.

In the past he has worked for some of the best glass works in Colle di val d' Elsa and helped improve the image of each particular firm.

He started selling his own handcrafted products himself in 1988, when there were work cuts, and was to find it far more satisfying to receive the compliments for his skill and his art directly.

Mario Belli who should perhaps more correctly be described as a sculptor in glass, buys his plain, unfinished pieces of glass staight from the local factories and then uses the traditional tools and manual techniques - the tools of his trade even today - to engrave the sides of the piece of glass and create beautifull works of art.

Today Mario Belli is one of the few craftsman who is able to retain an independent relationship with the industries. He spends most of his time on his work, creating unique objects and choosing the pieces that he feels most suited to his skill with meticulous care.

His wife helps him in his work and he and his daughter - a student in architecture - decide on designs or the best ways of displaying a piece of work.

A piece of glass signed by Mario Belli is a guarantee of beautifully hand engraved glass. Don't try and resist the temptation to take one of this extraordinary artist's splendid creation of glass engraving home with you.....

Mario Belli waits for to you to visit the showroom at Colle di val d'Elsa !

Fasi di lavorazione di un solito oggetto

Lavorazione di cristallo incamiciato

Alcuni oggetti di cristallo lavorato con in trasparenza la città del cristallo