Abstract Flower by Roberto Cammozzo and Elio Raffaeli

Abstract

Recognizing the contribution art has had in the Mayo Clinic environment since the original Mayo Clinic Building was finished in 1914, Mayo Clinic Proceedings features some of the numerous works of art displayed throughout the buildings and grounds on Mayo Clinic campuses. Recognizing the contribution art has had in the Mayo Clinic environment since the original Mayo Clinic Building was finished in 1914, Mayo Clinic Proceedings features some of the numerous works of art displayed throughout the buildings and grounds on Mayo Clinic campuses. The artistic team of Elio Raffaeli (1936-) and Roberto Cammozzo (1945-)1Celebration of Fine Art website. http://celebrationfineart.com/raff_camm/bio/bio.html. Accessed February 16, 2015.Google Scholar was forged within the apprenticeship system in Murano, the center commonly known as the glassblowing capital of Venice, Italy. Both Cammozzo and Raffaeli began studying glasswork as teenagers under several great Italian glass masters, honing their skills and talents to secure independent reputations as glass masters.1Celebration of Fine Art website. http://celebrationfineart.com/raff_camm/bio/bio.html. Accessed February 16, 2015.Google Scholar In 1982, they opened their own studio–Ars Murano–along with another glass master friend, Renzo Vianello.2Ars Murano website. http://www.arsmurano.it/eng/cammozzo.php. Accessed February 16, 2015.Google Scholar, 3Roberto Commozzo. Zoominfo website. http://www.zoominfo.com/p/Roberto-Cammozzo/912651136. Accessed February 16, 2015.Google Scholar Although Raffaeli is skilled in both glassblowing and glass sculpture,1Celebration of Fine Art website. http://celebrationfineart.com/raff_camm/bio/bio.html. Accessed February 16, 2015.Google Scholar the team is also well-known for its use of the technique a massello − molding a block of glass under heat with metal rods.2Ars Murano website. http://www.arsmurano.it/eng/cammozzo.php. Accessed February 16, 2015.Google Scholar, 4Murano Net website. http://www.muranonet.com/glossary/entry/massello. Accessed February 27, 2015.Google Scholar Abstract Flower (21.25 × 8 × 7 in), which appears solid, is actually created from blown glass. It greatly mimics the curling tendrils, grasping vines, and crimson blossom of a plant reaching for sunlight at the top of an arboreal jungle. Air bubbles suspended within the ball at the top of the blossom imply the presence of stamen and feed the impression of pollen disturbed by a hovering bee … or dew drops glistening in the sunlight.The droop and curl of the sculpture generates the feel of the optical illusions often found in surrealistic art. As with all glasswork, additional life and movement in Abstract Flower are enhanced by the natural light and surrounding environment. Abstract Flower by Roberto Cammozzo and Elio Raffaeli is located on the 18th floor of the Gonda Building, Mayo Clinic Campus in Rochester, Minnesota, and is sponsored by Jack E. and Leila A. Nessen.