Martin Janecký is a renowned Czech glass artist, widely recognized as one of the best glass sculptors working today. Born on February 29, 1980, in Liberec, Czech Republic, Janecký began his journey in glassmaking at the remarkably young age of 13, working at his father’s factory.

Early Life and Education

Janecký’s formal education in glassmaking began at the Glass School in Nový Bor, Czech Republic. After graduating, he expanded his skills and knowledge through experiences in various countries, including South Africa, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

Career Development

In 2003, Janecký made a pivotal trip to the United States, where he studied at the prestigious Pilchuck Glass School under the guidance of Richard Royal and William Morris. This experience proved to be transformative for his artistic development, particularly in mastering the technique of hot glass sculpting from within the bubble.

Janecký quickly gained recognition for his exceptional skill and innovative techniques. He became a highly sought-after instructor, teaching at renowned institutions worldwide, including:

• The Studio of the Corning Museum of Glass
• Pilchuck Glass School
• Penland School of Craft
• Australian National University in Canberra
• University of Toyama
  
  

In 2019, Janecký established his own glass studio, Janecký Studio, in the heart of Prague, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Artistic Style and Techniques

Janecký is particularly known for his mastery of the “inside bubble sculpting” technique, which he learned from William Morris and subsequently perfected. This challenging method involves shaping hot glass bubbles from the inside, allowing Janecký to create highly realistic, life-sized sculptures with unprecedented levels of detail and precision.

His work often focuses on portraiture, creating intricate glass heads, figures, and skulls. Janecký draws inspiration from art history and ethnic masks, infusing his pieces with rich cultural and historical references.

Notable Works and Exhibitions

One of Janecký’s significant bodies of work is the “Día de Muertos” collection, inspired by his 2013 visit to Mexico. This series, which explores the iconography of the Mexican Day of the Dead, was created during his Artist-In-Residence program at The Studio of the Corning Museum of Glass in 2017. The collection was exhibited at the Heller Gallery in New York City in 2018.

Some of his notable pieces include:

• “Head” (2014)
• “Portrait of a Man” (2015 and 2018)
• “La Palida, Día de Muertos” (2017)
• “Studies of Hands” (2018)
• “Thinker” (2019)
  
  

Janecký’s work has been exhibited in galleries and museums across Europe and the United States, garnering international acclaim.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Janecký has received several awards and accolades, including:

• 2010: Collectors Award Dennis and Barbara Dubois, 38th Annual International Glass Invitational Awards Exhibition, Habatat Galleries, USA
• 2008: Artist of the Month, Art Alliance for Contemporary Art, USA
• 2006: Kaiser Foundation Award, Pilchuck Glass School, USA
• 2005: Nominated for the SAXE award for the best TA, Pilchuck Glass School, USA
• 2001: Řemeslo a umění ve skle, Sklářské muzeum Nový Bor, Czech Republic
  
  

Martin Janecký’s unique ability to shape molten glass into aesthetically pleasing forms, combined with his extreme concentration and use of special tools, has established him as a virtuoso in the world of glass art. His contributions to the field, both as an artist and an instructor, continue to inspire and influence the global glass art community.