Studio Bel Vetro Creates Upscale Blown Glass Lighting

CS: Lisa, you started your career as a ballerina. Are there any corollaries between ballet and lighting design?

LS: There are between ballet and actually blowing glass. Both require dexterity, really good timing, and extensive training. Blowing glass is about teamwork — two people working in sync. We have been told it looks like a silent dance when we work together. Paulo leads, and I respond to his moves, anticipating the next one. It's not always silent, there is a lot of shouting going on at times. We have our biggest fights in the hot shop.

PDL: Lisa is very opinionated, but in the hot shop I am the boss.

LS: Debatable. Next question...