Robert Comploj

Glassblower

©Studio-Riebenbauer

©Robert-Comploj

©Bernhard-Schramm

Changing seasons

Robert specialises in the ancient craft of Venetian blown glass
His work shifts between the fields of art, design and craftsmanship
He develops bespoke projects for his clients

Born in Innsbruck, Robert Comploj started his career attending several glassblowing classes at Corning Museum of Glass in New York, held by renowned Murano master glassblower Elio Quarisa. After graduating at the Glass Design School in Kramsach, Austria, in 2017 he moved to Vienna where he established Studio Comploj: a team of craftsmen and women dedicated to rewriting the storyline of one of the oldest crafts with a never-ending commitment to invention and innovation. “I like to challenge the material, and to bring the old craft back into the minds of people while designing contemporary objects.” He is inspired by nature and daily life, aiming to replicate the ease of water and air in his objects. The colours and shapes he develops are deeply influenced by the changing seasons.

Interview

©Studio-Riebenbauer

©Studio-Riebenbauer

How is glassblowing linked to your country?: Glassblowing has a long tradition in Bohemia, where there are still many workshops in the bordering countries. Austria, on the contrary, suffered from a severe loss of glassblowing studios. I am proud that with my team we are now helping to ensure that this craft can be found in Austria again.
How are you contributing to the rebirth of glassblowing?: By reviving an old craft and combining it with modern business acumen. My workshop is open to the public, to enable visitors to experience the glass craft and raise their awareness.
What do you love most about your profession?: I love demanding and creative projects and the challenges that come with them. I still love the fact that, if in a melted state, you can do anything with glass. Additionally, you can never be sure what the final project will look like: there is always a certain element of surprise.
Do you think your craft is endangered?: I would say yes, just like every other craft. Due to modernisation and technological developments, our world is looking for something fast and cheap – there is just simply no interest any more for something that takes time to create.

Robert Comploj is a master artisan: he began his career in 2003 and he started teaching in 2005