Pauli Maiville has seamlessly blended his twin passions for fish and glass into a distinguished career as a glass artist, crafting works that resonate deeply with the organic rhythms of the sea. Born in coastal New England and raised in Connecticut, Pauli's earliest memories include learning to fish with his grandfather, a pastime that would deeply influence his artistry. After moving to Florida at the age of twelve, his fascination with marine life only deepened, fueling hours spent wading the flats of the Gulf Coast.
Pauli began his glassblowing journey in 1987, and it was almost inevitable that the first shape to emerge from his pipe was a fish. Over the years, his craft has evolved, but the inspiration drawn from the sea remains a constant presence in all his creations, from vases and bowls to intricate paperweights, each piece echoing the fluidity and grace of oceanic forms. Pauli's day often begins at 4 am with fishing trips to embrace the morning sunrise, merging his love for the aquatic with the tranquility of dawn. His artistic journey took him from the early days in Michigan and Florida, where he was introduced to the craft at Calvin Sloan's Star Bevel Studio in Ybor City, a hub of creative glasswork in the 1980s. There, and later at Dean James’ Ybor Glass And Iron, Pauli discovered his profound passion for blown glass.
His career trajectory led him to work with renowned figures in the glass art world, including Duncan McClellan and Chuck Boux at Sigma Studio, where he spent fifteen fruitful years honing his skills and developing his style. Pauli’s expertise was further recognized when he was called upon to develop a working demonstration studio at St. Petersburg’s Morean Gallery under the guidance of the legendary Dale Chihuly. There, from 2009 to 2018, he played a pivotal role in shaping the studio that became a cornerstone for glass art demonstrations in the region.
In 2019, following the closure of the Morean, Pauli took a bold step to pursue a solo career. This new chapter allowed him the freedom to explore and expand his creative boundaries. Today, he continues to innovate, producing a vibrant array of new designs, memorial pieces, and commissioned works that capture the essence of his lifelong inspirations. Pauli Maiville's journey is not just a testament to his mastery of glassblowing but also to his dedication to capturing the ephemeral beauty of the natural world, making him a unique voice in the realm of contemporary glass art.