Island Treasures: Fahrenheit 2400—Volcano

“There is something both dramatic and dynamic about the manipulation of a molten mass of glass, such that the process has almost as much appeal for me as does the product. Hot glass is a medium in constant motion, where balance, timing and rhythm are the essential tools in the process. Once you start, you can’t stop until it’s done, and after more than thirty years in glass, I’ve conceded that it is the glass that is really in control, as much as I would like to think otherwise.” Michael Mortara, 2002

Michael Mortara was first introduced to glass blowing as a student in high school. In 1980, he joined the glass blowing department at Punahou School as a technical assistant while completing a degree in Architecture from University of Hawai‘i.

Several years later, he began a shift away from his architectural endeavors to focus more time on his work in glass.

In the summer of 1998, he began the construction of his new studio on the upper slopes of Kīlauea volcano. As a full time glass artist, he and his wife, glass artist Misato Mochizuki Mortara, divide their time between the production of their limited edition vessels and one of a kind sculptures. His glass is in private collections throughout the US and Europe, and has been included in the permanent collection of Hawai‘i State Foundation of Art, and The Contemporary Museum of Art in Honolulu.

The Mortara’s studio is tucked away on the east side of the island in the area known as Volcano. At 3000’ the weather is ideal for blowing glass. They primarily market through the American Craft council show in Baltimore, as well as through referrals, and at their studio, located along Highway 11 on Old Volcano Road between mile markers 23-24, where they display pieces that are not available anywhere else.

Fahrenheit 2400
808.985.8667
2400f.com