Moore, Benjamin

Benjamin Moore began his long and intimate involvement with the world of glass by earning his B.F.A. in ceramics in 1974 from the College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, California, studying under Marvin Lipofsky, and his M.F.A. from the Rhode Island School of Design, studying under Dale Chihuly and graduating in 1977 while working as Chihuly’s assistant. He then worked as a designer for the Venini Studio in Murano, Italy, and J & L Lobmeyr in Vienna, Austria. At the Venini Factory, he worked under and befriended the Venetian master, Checco Ongaro, and their lasting friendship would redirect the course of the American studio glass movement. It became increasingly obvious to Moore that there was greater potential in the creative and learning process when working with a team of artists and collaborating on ideas, as practiced on Murano for centuries. This team approach of glassblowing became Moore’s style of working and laid the groundwork for his glassblowing studio, Benjamin Moore, Inc. He has served on the faculty of the Massachusetts College of Art in Boston, Massachusetts, and was a faculty member, Creative Director, Trustee, and Board Member of the Pilchuck Glass School.