art forum VISITING ARTIST: Martin Janecky

Martin Janecky began his career with glass at the age of 13 and later explored sculpting methods in the Czech Republic. By the time he was 20, he was employed by leading artists and designers around the world to assist and to execute specific works. Janecky has served as an instructor, visiting artist, and gaffer at several glassmaking schools, including The Studio, Penland School of Crafts, and Pilchuck Glass School. Using a combination of traditional techniques with contemporary tools and methods, he deftly works both the inside and outside of the blown bubble. Recipient of the Salvador Dalí World Prize by the European Union of Arts, Janecky creates representational sculptures of musical instruments and vintage-inspired circus performers characterized by a haunting gothic lyricism. Recognized as a virtuoso of figurative glass, he exhibits the caliber as well as evokes the poetry of his Eastern European heritage, while imbuing traditional subjects with a Millennial intensity. Martin Janecky is a Visting Artist in the Glass Workshop.