Michael Panetta

Michael Panetta was born and raised in Southern California. Growing up he always had a passion for two things, art, and the ocean. When he wasn’t in the ocean he was spending most of time drawing and sculpting objects out of clay. At the age of 15 he fell in love with a new medium, glass. He remembers spending the day in a glass factory on the island of Murano, just outside Venice, Italy. It was there that he had watched in amazement as the Maestro’s would create beautiful and elegant works of art right in front of him. This was the moment that changed his life forever.

At the age of 16 he sought out an apprenticeship with local Laguna Beach glass blower John Barber. After 2 years at John Barber’s he decided to work with as many artists to obtain as much skill and technique as possible. In 2006 he packed his bags and went back to Murano, Italy to study under Italian maestro Pino Signoretto. Coming back in 2007 he strived to create his own company and his own designs.

Living the life of a “starving artist,” it wasn’t til 2010 that Michael’s career had gained momentum. Showcasing his works at art shows along the west coast he quickly got recognition for his unique styles. Straying away from the standard utilitarian glass work he focused on strictly sculptural work which had gained him best of show awards at multiple art shows. In 2015 he opened his own glass blowing studio and 2018 he open his gallery “La Vita di Vetro” located in Laguna Beach, CA. Michael’s award winning glass designs are collected world wide by art collectors and even Saudi Arabian royalty. 

Now, with 20 years experience, Michael is known for his innovative style and his unique eye for design. His specialty is custom made glass wall sculptures. Just like the ocean, Michael glass has a lot of movement and fluidity. “I want people to feel the emotion I feel when I’m in the ocean, pure serenity.”