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American glass artist and designer Tom Patti was born in 1943 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. He earned a B.S. and M.S. in Industrial Design from the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn and later studied perception theory and glassworking. His early exposure to art and science, coupled with being blind in one eye since childhood, fueled his fascination with perception, scale, and spatial manipulation. Rather than embracing traditional glassblowing techniques, he innovated with industrial sheet glass to create intricate, small-scale sculptures that exhibit remarkable depth and precision.

Patti gained international recognition for his ability to integrate technical glass innovations with aesthetic refinement. His works range from compact sculptural pieces to furniture to large-scale public installations that explore the intersection of art, science, and materials engineering. His contributions extend beyond art into materials science, where he has collaborated with major glass manufacturers like Corning and Owens Corning. His work is held in prestigious collections worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, and the Louvre in Paris.

Throughout his career, Patti has continued to push the boundaries of glass as both a medium and a technology. He has developed impact-resistant glass installations that manipulate light and color, reinforcing his reputation as a leader in high-performance glass design. In 2015, he was honored with a residency at the Corning Museum of Glass in New York, further cementing his legacy as an innovator in the field. His visionary approach ensures his work remains at the forefront of contemporary glass artistry.