About
Philosophy
Joseph Enszo’s aesthetic is a unique intersection of three components: Italian decorativeness, Eastern simplicity of form, and designs refferencing natural science.
The vibrancy and visual splendor of glass has inspired a history of highly decorative techniques. To this medium the artist brings a background in ceramics, including a decade living in Asia where he was inspired by traditions that emphasize minimal and natural elegance. Both glass and ceramics are highly technical mediums to work with. Applying rigorous experimentation in the vein of the scientific process leads to new discoveries, informing design in both a literal and figurative sense.
Nido Series: Micro- and macroscopic inspired designs. Altered traditional Italian techniques emphasize the natural properties of glass under various physical forces.
Technique and Process
Enszo’s work often begins with elements of traditional Italian glassblowing like zanfirico cane and murrine. However, the process by which these elements have traditionally been made has been completely re-engineered. The new techniques result in unique, refined effects, as well as a large reduction of energy use.
The elements are then laid out and fused into flat slabs, which in turn are cut square on a water-cooled diamond saw, ground and smoothed with a wet belt sander, and sometimes sandblasted. Finally the piece goes back to the kiln for slumping, fire polishing, and annealing.
Altogether each piece takes a minimum of several days to complete. Some parts of the final piece will have gone through up to 6-7 firings in addition to off-hand glassblowing manipulation with a furnace and torch. Each firing has a unique multi-segment heating and cooling schedule specially formulated to achieve the desired results. The precise combinations of techniques and steps for each style of work developed, and continue to evolve, over years of practice, research, and trial and error.
Biography
Joseph Enszo holds a Bachelor of Fine Art with an emphasis in Ceramics. He is an emerging studio artist who has worked and studied in the ceramics and glass disciplines for 19 years.
Green Crafting
Enszo Studios innovation extends to our dedication to reducing our impact on the environment. We have developed new processes and proprietary equipment that save over 90% energy compared with the traditional methods used in other studios. We continue to pursue novel research to further reduce the amount of time any kiln, torch, or furnace must be on. At the same time, we use the smallest and most efficient equipment necessary for the task at hand. Finally, we are always on the lookout for ways to reduce the creation of waste glass, and to re-use and recycle more of what we do generate.
Glass Care
Hand wash with care. All our dishes are food safe, but please be aware that unforeseen damage can occur with any functional use beyond display in a safe place – do so at your own risk.
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