Philipp Weber, a young and visionary designer based in Berlin, is redefining the craft of glassblowing by integrating elements of rhythm, music, and digital technology into the traditional process.
Trained at the Design Academy Eindhoven and the University of Arts Berlin, Weber brings a unique perspective to glassblowing, inspired by his experience with renowned artist Tomás Saraceno, known for his captivating installations.
At the core of Weber’s design philosophy is a fascination with the musicality inherent in glassblowing. He observes that a skilled glassblower moves with a fluidity that naturally synchronizes with the molten glass, much like a dance. This observation led him to explore how music could directly influence the creation of glass objects, making each piece a functional sculpture that communicates its own unique rhythm.
In his role as the co-founder of Analog, a contemporary lighting label, Weber pushes the boundaries of this ancient craft by employing digital tools to track and enhance the movements involved in the glassblowing process. His innovative approach is exemplified in his acclaimed series, ‘Of Movement and Material.’ Here, each bespoke luminaire is not merely shaped by human gestures but is a direct manifestation of the interaction between the artisan’s movements and the responsive behavior of glass under heat.
Weber’s work challenges the relevance of traditional craftsmanship in the digital era, questioning how the human relationship to material and process can evolve. He seeks to add a layer of inquiry beyond the aesthetic and functional, proposing that the objects we create carry not just utility but also a narrative of their making.
