Early Life and Education

Wesley Neal Rasko, born on March 6, 1980, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is a distinguished glass artist known for his innovative and emotive glass sculptures. From a young age, Rasko exhibited a profound passion for art, participating in various art programs and extracurricular classes. This early exposure to artistic expression led him to the Alberta College of Art and Design, where he studied sculpture from 1998 to 1999.

Apprenticeship and Career Development

In 1999, Rasko moved to the Czech Republic to apprentice under the renowned glass sculptor Bohumil Elias. This pivotal experience deeply influenced his artistic direction, allowing him to master the intricate techniques of glass art. After his apprenticeship, Rasko returned to Canada briefly to study engineering but continued to work intermittently in the Czech glass studio. Eventually, he established his own studio in Zelezny Brod, Czech Republic, where he continues to create and innovate.

Artistic Style and Mediums

Rasko’s work is characterized by its exploration of contrast in color, texture, and transparency. His sculptures are crafted from painted and laminated float glass, cast glass, optical crystal, and exotic stone. Each piece is meticulously hand-ground and polished to achieve a brilliant finish. His inspiration stems from emotions, interpersonal relationships, and the natural world, resulting in pieces that evoke a sense of awe and fascination.

Exhibitions and Collections

Wesley Rasko’s work has been showcased in numerous prestigious galleries and art fairs worldwide. Some notable exhibitions include:

• 2017: Plateaux Gallery, London; Arts Palm Beach, West Palm Beach
• 2015: Glassweekend’15 at WheatonArts, Millville, NJ; New Chelsea Art Fair, London; Art Breda, Amsterdam; Affordable Art Fair, Brussels
• 2014: CONTEXT Art Miami; Zelezny Brod Glass Exhibition, Czech Republic; Monaco Art Show, Monte Carlo; Affordable Art Fair, Brussels
• 2009: Montreal Art Expo; Jean Claude Chapelotte Galerie, Luxembourg; Internationale Glaskunstbeurs Leerdam, Netherlands; Toronto Art Expo
  
  

His work is also part of several public and private collections, including the Fort Wayne Museum of Art in the United States, the Ernsting Foundation in Germany, and the Gangtai Museum of Shanghai in China.

Awards and Recognition

Rasko has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the field of glass art. Notably, he was awarded “Best in Show 3D” at the 2021 Art Fest Naples. In 2023, he was recognized as a winner in the glass category at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival.

Current Endeavors

Today, Wesley Neal Rasko continues to create breathtaking glass sculptures from his studio in Zelezny Brod. His work remains highly sought after, with pieces displayed in galleries and collections around the globe. Rasko’s dedication to his craft and his ability to evoke deep emotional responses through his art solidify his reputation as a leading figure in contemporary glass sculpture.