The Age of Aquarius and Chalet

The 1960s and 1970s were times of great social and political change in Canada, the United States, and Western Europe as individuals en masse challenged the conventions and restrictions of the 1950s. Taking the spotlight were issues such as identity, feminism, gay rights, the family unit, pacifism, protests against entrenched social mores, and an emphasis on individual freedoms and expression. The era also saw the elevation of art and creativity over commercialism. It was a time when youth rejected social norms and expressed their disapproval of racial, ethnic, and political injustices through resistance, and, for some groups, revolt. These decades were also marked by renewed interest in astrology, horoscopes, and “spiritualism.”

Chalet Artistic Glass was born during this time and place. Did it, in any way, reflect this “counterculture”? Most definitely. The company’s very roots were deeply entwined with the desire for personal change and a new path to achieving a different way of life. The company’s three owners and founders were immigrants. Each had left Italy to achieve a better life and break away from the strict status quo and rigid hierarchy they were subject to on Murano.

Not only did Antonio and Luigi Tedesco and Sergio Pagnin want a less restrictive and better life, but as artists, they also wanted to create something that was their own and do it their way. The result was that the glass that Chalet designed and produced may have had its roots in Murano traditions but was also deliberately transformed into a “freeform” expression. Moving away from traditional Italian styles and techniques to reflect a more modern and unique design. Exuberant and less stylized forms in vivid colors are iconic hallmarks of Chalet.

The influx of European glassblowers to Canada, especially to the Montreal area, represented a break from traditions that relegated them to a centuries-old way of life, which was no longer enough for many artisans of their generation. In 2010, I spoke with Chalet Maestri Bruno Panizzon and Giulio Gatto, as well as Chalet artists Roberto De Marchi, Giovanni Voltalina, Antonio Tedesco, and Gianfranco Guarnieri, about their reasons for coming to Canada. Each  voiced their desire to achieve something different and better than what they had seen as their destiny in Italy, seeking opportunities to grow as artists and to experience a new way of living. For them, like all other first-generation immigrants, this was a process they understood intuitively. They discarded some traditions, melded others with new ways to make their own, and clung to and cherished others.

A tradition that was cherished – maintaining the ties and bonds of friendship and family.

2010, at the Cornwall Chalet exhibit: Deborah Patterson, Giovanni Voltalina, and Roberto De Marchi. These two artists, Voltalina and De Marchi, were incredibly close—both personally and professionally.

Lifelong friends celebrating Christmas at Cornwall’s Italian Canadian Sports Club. From left to right: Chalet Maestri Bruno Panizzon and Giulio Gatto, and Chalet artist Gianfranco Guarniere. Standing: Chalet artist Antonio Tedesco. Circa 2008. Photograph courtesy of Danielle Gatto.

And another cherished tradition: a love of beauty, melded with the desire to produce it in a different way.

Please note that the red basket on the left is a piece by Lorraine Glass Industries.

I wondered how to visually relate the “counterculture” to Chalet and decided to use the colors of astrological gemstones as the link. Before we dive into that, here's a fun fact about the Age of Aquarius—an interesting coincidence discovered by my always curious daughter as she compiled the video for this article. In 2024, the location of the Sun on the March equinox was in the constellation of Pisces but also on the border of Aquarius. So, we have moved into a new age of Aquarius. Will it be as tumultuous as the last?

Precious stones have long been believed to align with the energies of the planets and zodiac signs, providing positive energies and vibrations that enhance constructive traits and mitigate challenges.

Each zodiac sign and planet has one or more corresponding gemstones that are thought to harmonize with their energies. By understanding the connection between gemstones and astrological profiles, one can choose the stones that best support their chosen paths.

Here's an overview of how astrological gemstones relate to zodiac signs, accompanied by a Chalet piece that I thought perfectly embodies the sign and color of the stone. For this, I chose the traditional gemstone symbols of that period:

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)

·         Planet: Saturn

·         Traditional Gemstone: Blue Sapphire

·         Benefits: Promotes discipline, responsibility, and stability; aids in achieving long-term goals.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)

·         Planet: Saturn/Uranus

·         Traditional Gemstone: Garnet

·         Benefits: Enhances innovation, independence, and humanitarian efforts; fosters clarity and foresight.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

·         Planet: Jupiter/Neptune

·         Traditional Gemstone: Yellow Sapphire

·         Benefits: Supports intuition, creativity, and compassion; aids in spiritual awareness and emotional healing.

From the collection of 50 Shades member Jonathan Tremblay.

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

·         Planet: Mars

·         Traditional Gemstone: Ruby

·         Benefits: Boosts courage, vitality, and confidence; helps manage anger and impulsiveness.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

·         Planet: Venus

·         Traditional Gemstone: Emerald

·         Benefits: Enhances love, beauty, and financial stability; promotes inner peace and emotional balance.

This Chalet Christmas tree from the collection of Chalet artist Roberto De Marchi, created by him, Maestro Gatto, and fellow Chalet artist Giovanni Voltalina.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

·         Planet: Mercury

·         Traditional Gemstone: Moss Agate

·         Benefits: Improves communication, intellect, and adaptability; aids in decision-making and clarity of thought.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

·         Planet: Moon

·         Traditional Gemstone: Pearl

·         Benefits: Enhances emotional stability, intuition, and nurturing qualities; fosters peace and tranquility.

These are Chalet opaline pieces.

Leo (July 23 - August 22)

·         Planet: Sun

·         Traditional Gemstone: Peridot

·         Benefits: Boosts confidence, leadership, and creativity; strengthens vitality and self-expression

This Chalet “Canada Art” hand engraved piece is from the collection of 50 Shades member Alex Wicks.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

·         Planet: Mercury

·         Traditional Gemstone: Carnelian

Benefits: Enhances analytical skills, precision, and health; aids in communication and problem-solving

This Chalet “Canada Art” hand engraved piece is from the collection of 50 Shades member Ken Brewer.

Libra (September 23 - October 22)

·         Planet: Venus

·         Traditional Gemstone: Diamond

·         Benefits: Promotes harmony, love, and artistic talents; enhances social interactions and beauty.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

·         Planet: Mars/Pluto

·         Traditional Gemstone: Topaz

·         Benefits: Strengthens willpower, passion, and transformation; helps with emotional resilience and insight.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)

·         Planet: Jupiter

·         traditional Gemstone: Turquoise

·         Benefits: Enhances wisdom, prosperity, and optimism; supports spiritual growth and adventure.

A very rare piece. Most Chalet avventurina elephants are filled with gold dust - not silver foil.

Although Chalet’s “time and place” was during the turbulent decades of the ‘60s and ‘70s and I based the above visuals on that, Chalet can also be put into a modern context regarding change and evolution. Both its artists and its products were masters of variation and adaptation. Their visions were forward-thinking. Keeping this in mind, let’s enjoy one more visual representation. As I wrote this in August, I think it’s appropriate to look at the “modern” birthstone for that month – the spinel. This elegant gemstone is most commonly found in varying intensities of pink and blue colors. However, it is also found in ruby red, clear crystal, amethyst, and black.

The spinal gemstone.

For this article, the signs have aligned to put together a video sampling of varying hues of Chalet “pinks” to “channel” the spinel.

The most common way to use and benefit from gemstones is by wearing them as rings, pendants, bracelets, or earrings. However, go against the norm and celebrate your right to individual thought and expression—buy a piece of Chalet in your birthstone color!