Meet Pat Minervini | Glass Embosser /Gilder /Brilliant Cutter / Artist / Designer / Craftsman

We had the good fortune of connecting with Pat Minervini and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pat, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Many of the processes I use today were at their peak during the Victorian era. In the US a significant number of advertising signs for Alcohol and Tobacco as well as store fronts were created by Glass Embossers. One large supplier was Rawson and Evans with locations in NY. and Chicago. These large businesses employed many craftsmen each specializing in a particular glass embossing skill. With the implementation of Prohibition, Rawson & Evans and many other such businesses were forced to shut their doors. The skilled artisans /craftsman passed and with them their knowledge of glass embossing. I have spent 4 concentrated years traveling to Latvia and England and across the US to seeking out knowledge of the glass embossing skills. Unlike in earlier times where the artisan focused on one area I am required to become skilled in many.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It seems that my ability to design, engineer, and construct tools and machinery often required for the “art” I make is a bit unique.

Over my lifetime I experienced working as a studio potter. In this capacity, I designed and constructed my studio, as well as several kilns required for my work.

I have created museum quality 18th century furniture learning to use traditional hand and machine tools.

In my current work as a glass embosser designed and constructed tools, and fixtures, counterbalance suspension systems, glass cutting lathes, foldable tilt top silvering tables, and polishing machines. Time in all these disciplines have lead me to the work I’m currently doing.

I am passionate about the process of creating and it is where I find joy

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Probably head up to the mountains in Colorado for some hiking and bicycle riding. Include a visit downtown to the Denver Art museum. Take a drive through Garden of the Gods in Co springs. Cook dinners at home for them mostly consisting of “Italian food” including home made pasta. Schedule a lunch gathering of the “Denver” letterhead group and chat about what these artists are currently working on.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There have been many individuals over the years Most recently Alan Johnson,USA: David Adrian Smith,England: Tits Rinkis,Latvia

Website: pmdesignsllc.net

Instagram: @pasqualeartist

Youtube: PMDesignsllc

Image Credits
I own all photos