Lisa Villarospo: A touch of glass in the art world

Aug. 22, 2011 - PRLog -- Artists are not known for their business acumen, but British Italian artist Lisa Villarospo is a considerable breath of fresh air within the world of art.

Though indeed blessed with a talent for her art and possessing a vivid creativity to match, Manchester-born Lisa has achieved success in turning her art into a thriving business. Combining her dedication and determination with a fierce work ethic, she grew her business to become a name now synonymous with bespoke fused glass art - The House of Ugly Fish.

First venturing into fused glass art in 2005, Lisa brings the influence of her past work in fine art away from the traditional canvas and into the medium of glass with landscapes, seascapes, abstracts and even the work of Lowry being just some examples of art skillfully translated into glass.

Her cultural roots, being half Venetian, find themselves similarly incorporated, with a love for the famous glasswork of Murano providing a strong influence that can be seen reflected in the vibrant colours of her own glass art.

Speaking from her studio in Cheshire, Lisa tells of her inspiration behind the glass art.

“I remember when I was young, on one of my many trips visiting Venice, and seeing the Murano glass for the first time. It was both thrilling and awe-inspiring. I didnʼt realise at the time, but those early memories would be a major influence in my life thirty years later.”

She also spoke on the success of her company and how it was achieved.

“We found success through hard work and touring the country. Attending so many exhibitions has really been a major part of putting the House of Ugly Fish name in front of the public and in the spotlight. Now the name is gaining popularity, we have noticed a recent increase in enquiries from overseas, including from the United States and Australia.”

Her commissions range from private individuals to hospitals and A-List celebrities. Much of her work ends up in the hands of private collectors.

The Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle Upon Tyne asked Lisa to tell the story of how the original Infirmary came to be built in 1906. In a series of five glass panels, Lisa shows how shipbuilders, miners and farmers all unite in their love of football and together with the people of Tyneside, they contribute some of their hard earned money towards the building of the infirmary which was opened the year it was completed by King Edward.

Lisa has also recently completed another stunning piece (pictured above) to grace the wall in the main reception of the newly built Christie Hospital in Salford, part of Salford Royal. The new radiotherapy centre will be equipped to deliver a highly specialised neurosurgical technique for brain cancers, making it one of a handful in the UK.

She is particularly proud of this achievement and hopes to be able to donate some of her work to The Christie in order to raise money for their charitable fund.

In her spare time, Lisa is a keen cook and is never more happier than when she is recreating her motherʼs Italian recipes for her family. Her husband, also her partner in the business, were fortunate enough to meet through their work, giving the two a profound understanding of the demands of running a business. Because of this, the two are able to work together in harmony, sharing the same goals and ideal outcome.

Lisa also revealed to us the origins of the name of her company, which has an unusual, but humorous and quirky conception.

When Lisa was a freelance artist, her family would tease her that much like Toad of Toad Hall (of The Wind in the Willows fame) she would begin many ideas and endeavors enthusiastically, only to decide to give up not long after. Her name, Villarospo, was the closest to Toad of Toad Hall she could achieve in Italian, but as she would learn from her Godfather, ʻrospoʼ means both ugly fish and toad and thus she had unknowingly named herself ʻThe House of Ugly Fish.ʼ The conversation stayed with Lisa, and thanks to her Godfather the company was named.

Contact Lisa or Paul and visit The House of Ugly Fish website below. http://www.thehouseofuglyfish.com

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The House of Ugly Fish based in Cheshire UK produces stunning fused glass artwork and kitchen splashbacks by a skilled and talented team of contemporary British designers.