Company Glasstone.eu

Glass Sculptor Ernest Vitin

Founder and the head artist at Glasstone

How does the creation of glass tombstones resonate with Art?

When creating glass tombstones, I always try to bequeath a sculptural and aesthetic interest to each object. In creating them, I connect with my being - with my heart first of all, and if, at that moment, my work echoes and addresses the state of my client's soul, isn't that Art in the highest sense?

More about Ernests' artworks: www.ernestvitin.com

Team

Ernests Ronis

Sheriff – general handler of Glasstone studio, team and finances. Very friendly (in general). He likes glass art and glass artists like him.

Mārtiņš Kalniņš

Glass artist - an adventurous seeker of technical solutions and a skilful specialist in aesthetic sculpture. The touchstone of reliability. Most likely, he is an angel.

Evita Valdmane

Glass artist - an enthusiastic master of her craft with a highly creative imagination. She has a critical view of standardized, generally accepted concepts. For us, she is a boost of positivism.

Linda Vītiņa

Sometimes she is described as the company's conscience and quality control. Linda takes care of introducing Glasstone's monumental glass art to the world. Finds an individual approach to each client.

Krista Ancāne

A skilful fairy - everything she touches becomes better! She is sophisticated and precise by nature. She loves to draw. She promotes the well-being of the team at the studio.

Philosophy

In a light memory

LIGHTNESS

Glasstone is the world's first workshop for gravestones made of stacked glass. The basis of the vision is light and peaceful remembrance of our loved ones. The development of Glasstone's beautiful monuments, from the choice of the material to the design and the process of creation, is inspired by the idea of the lightness of the soul – its freedom from everyday worries and oneness with the creator. Each of our glass memorials is approached individually to create a tranquil commemorative place.

NATURE

In its fundamentals, Glasstone is close to nature and its cycles, which are most pronounced in the changing seasons - blossoming, flowering, falling of the leaves and winter hibernation or - birth, existence and death. That's why we always pay attention to their harmonious connection with nature when we design our glass headstones. The interaction of the glass tombstones with the changing apparitions is possible thanks to the creative material linked to the fleeting nature of life and constant changes. All processes reflect; they are transparent and live in the glass sculpture, where they enliven and realize the nuances and shapes of the multifaceted glass stacking - every season, every day, every hour, again and again.

MEMORIAL TRADITION

It is important for us to continue commemorative traditions and preserve their sanctity. At a time when diverse modern commemorative traditions are emerging, clear and stable values are essential. From our point of view, every dear person you meet on your life's journey has the greatest value. The stories of these people should be told. Glasstone has the opportunity to honourably carry the sanctity of the commemorative tradition and offer it in a brighter, lighter and uplifting form.

CONCEPT OF FAMILY MEMORIAL

Glasstone not only offers individual gravestones designed for one person but also places of remembrance for the whole family. In our restless rhythm of life, when the family is scattered around the world, this is an opportunity to create a place of remembrance in honour of several people, even generations. The family's place of remembrance creates a warm feeling of being together and meeting again. Recognizing one's origins and ancestors, as well as their life stories, creates peace and fulfilment, strengthening the spirit for the rest of life.

	Shipping and delivery As soon as the glass memorial is ready, we share photos/videos with you for evaluation, prepare it for shipment and make installation instructions. We survey logistics companies to find and offer you the best delivery option. We can do the survey as soon as we know the delivery address and the exact configuration of the shipment - size and weight. We have established successful cooperation with transportation companies in various countries, but we are also open to collaboration with other logisticians, which you propose and choose!
	Production duration The production of glass monuments lasts from 30 workdays. It mainly depends on the complexity of the design and the ongoing workload during the particular period. The work volume is usually highest during spring, whereby the production time is the most extended, starting from ~45 workdays. Therefore, we advise ordering a glass monument timely. For example, if you wish to install the memorial in spring/summer, then - autumn/winter is the best time to make the order.
	Granite base and other stone elements You may choose to develop the granite base and stone elements with your local stonemasons or us. Making them locally will save you the shipping costs, and the stonemasons may prepare the ground and install the base as soon as it is ready. On rare occasions, making the stone parts with us will be the only option. This applies to designs where the stone and glass have to be very closely fitted (e.g. inlay of stone in glass monument or glass in boulder).

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