Alberto Livotto, the Pragmatic Creative of A.F.R.O.
I n the heart of the furnace, amidst the heat of the kilns and the sound of tools at work, Alberto Livotto moves with contagious energy. He is not a master glassmaker, but his presence is fundamental to give life to creations that challenge the limits of Murano glassmaking art. Alberto is the co-founder of A.F.R.O., a brand he created together with his partner Afro Celotto.
A.F.R.O. is an independent brand that collaborates exclusively with Fornace Zanetti. This partnership allows Alberto and Afro to have access to the best resources and skills to realize their innovative creations, while maintaining their distinctive creative identity.
The “trait d’union” between creativity and realization
Alberto is the link between imagination and realization, between idea and matter. With his pencil and practical mind, he shapes complex projects that combine creativity and experience. “I draw, I prepare projects,” explains Alberto, “and unlike other external designers who propose unfeasible projects, I know the glass processing techniques, because I’m always present in the furnace.”
A continuous flow of ideas
Alberto’s typical day is a succession of ideas, discussions, and challenges. We find him intent on sketching the next masterpiece, or next to the master glassmakers, animatedly discussing how to achieve a particular effect. “Here there is a continuous flow of ideas,” he recounts with enthusiasm.
A particularly fascinating aspect of Alberto’s work is his ability to visualize the final result from the very first sketches. “Perhaps my best quality is this ability to see the finished product,” he admits with a smile. This vision, combined with his deep technical knowledge, allows him to guide the master glassmakers towards the realization of increasingly bold works.
One of the most ambitious projects that Alberto speaks about with pride is the giant spider created for Glass Stress , an installation exhibited at the Berengo Art Space Foundation . This project perfectly exemplifies the synergy that is created in the furnace: “For large sculptures, teamwork is essential. Each phase requires precision, from design to the creation of assemblable components.”
The power of collaboration
What truly makes Alberto’s work special is the continuous pursuit of excellence and innovation.
The day in the furnace is a succession of challenges and satisfactions. From designing new pieces to solving technical problems, from choosing colors to final finishes, Alberto is involved in every phase of the creative process. His attention to detail and ability to work as a team are fundamental to the final result.
The collaboration between Alberto and Afro is the beating heart. “In this furnace, we are fortunate to have a group of masters who work in perfect synergy,” he explains, highlighting how this collaboration with Zanetti allows for the creation of unique works. “The works we create here, thanks to this teamwork, are impossible to replicate in other furnaces.”
Thanks to figures like Alberto Livotto, every day is an opportunity to reinvent a centuries-old tradition, demonstrating that the art of Murano glass is constantly evolving.
