Milestones
A timeline of the moments that shaped the Iter Ignis journey.
Chanco Cristal
I discovered the existence of lampworking through the documentary Chanco Cristal - Artesanías del Maule. I fell in love with the technique, which felt like pure magic to me, and also with the calmness and austerity of the artisan.
I decide to learn, searching for a master
I try to contact different artisans and workshops, offering them an exchange: a website in return for their mentorship. I have no money, and the attempts fail one after another, until finally…
Pepe Cristales
My master, the great Pepe Cristales, introduced me to lampworking. He opened the doors of his workshop in Poble Espanyol and gave me an unforgettable experience. RIP.
A glass workshop near where I live!
I was walking with a friend near my home when I saw something unbelievable: a wooden sign pointing to a glass workshop. A chance to continue learning. I followed the signs until I reached it. Unfortunately, the artisan did not have enough time. Failed attempt.
Determination reaffirmed
Despite not finding a new master, knowing that such a workshop existed nearby reconnected me with glass. I decided to buy the minimum equipment: torch, tanks, glasses, glass rods, and basic tools. Unfortunately, my life circumstances became complicated, and I had to leave my home before setting up a workshop. Failed attempt. My tools—and myself—remained waiting.
I abandon my dream
Life takes me to Madrid. I contact a workshop, but I am unable to arrange mentorship. Work, rent, and inertia take over. I think less and less about glass until I finally see it as a frustrated dream—something too difficult for me, or perhaps something destiny did not want me to pursue.
I return to the Nueva workshop as a customer
During a trip to Asturias, my partner and I visited the glass workshop, which was still open and active, now run by a different artisan. She gave us a demonstration, and we bought some glass and silver jewelry. Seeing the workshop, the glass, the torch—it all reconnected me with my old goal of learning. Maybe one day. But how did I forget this for so many years? Why had I never gone before, when it was so close?
The flame is reborn — Iter Ignis is born
My partner had been telling me for years to return to glass. Now she is starting a tattoo studio with a friend, and inspired by that creative energy, I think: why not? Today everything is easier—online courses, YouTube videos—and my financial situation is completely different. I can build my own workshop and learn on my own. The idea and the excitement begin to take shape in my mind. And what if I document the whole process? Iter Ignis is born.