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"JJ" has been working with glass for over 25 years as an artist, educator, technician, and researcher
After 15+ years of working with designers to realize their ideas into glass and bronze products, a far more efficient and less limiting method became apparent to Riviello, "If we're going to grow this medium, we need to incorporate modern manufacturing methods and utilize CNC technology".
Having over 20 years of teaching beginning through advanced off-hand glassblowing (furnace work), JJ has an in depth "hands-on" understanding of manipulating glass with heat and gravity. As a caster, this can give you the ability to foresee the how glass might behave in a mold, or analyze what has happened...
In 2016, James began working full-time researching and developing the best manufacturing-friendly casting methods, such as a machinable and reusable mold materials. Another 3 years had to be focused on becoming proficient in 3D modeling software, and many hours spent designing and building a new kind of casting furnace.
Perhaps the biggest challenge to date was raising startup capital. Getting investors interested in such a complicated process was an uphill climb for 2 years. Although, Riviello eventually raised 2 rounds of funding from Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeast PA (BFTPNEP), and began the ultimate commitment to changing how glass could be used in design and architecture in the future.
Now, after several years in the making, Cast In Glass is officially launching in 2021 by the Riviello created company, Pennsylvania Glassworks Company (PGC), established in 2016.