Thomas Hlavicka

Tomas Hlavicka graduated as an architect and worked in the architectural field whilst at the same time being taught the techniques of glass art by his father-in–law Pavel Hlava, who is a prominent figure in glass, and one of the founders of the Czech school of modern glass.
“In my glass forms I try to incorporate decoration in a simple format so that it doesn’t overpower the object. Glass has the wonderful property of being able to optically enhance shapes and space with its refractions and optical illusions”.

“My pieces are made of float glass in between which are placed strips of various metals: silver, gold and copper. After the layers are made, the glass is brought to melting point and the chemical interaction of the glass and the metals create strips of colour that is an important component of my work. I am interested in design and as a result many of my pieces tend to have a functional aspect to them. On the other hand, I have great satisfaction in making pure sculptures, as I am drawn to monumental aspect of the finished piece. Glass is a beautiful material that allows me to realize my goals, which are to combine Art, Design and Craft in a single piece”. – Tomas Hlavicka

Born 1950, Prague, CZ

Education

1969-1975 studies at the architecture university of Prague

1976-1990 project works

1976 beginning of collaboration with glass artist Pavel Hlava 

1990-2003 realization of Pavel Hlava’s studio design

1992 independent art glass design
1996 co-author of glass monument in Kamomura Crystal Park Japan

Exhibitions

1997 Habatat Galleries Fl USA 

1999 Galerie Chagall Karviná Czech republic

2001 Gallery Enomoto Japan 

2003 From fire Habatat Mi USA 

2003 Galerie MINEA Karlovy Vary Czech republic

2004 32nd Annual International Glass Invitational Habatat USA 

2004 Glass Gallery Broft Leerdamm Netherlands

2004 Ostravské Museum Ostrava Czech republic

2004 Habatat Galleries Mi USA

2005 The Finnish Glass Museum

2005 Dennos Museum Mi USA

2005 Galerie Pyramida Prague Czech republic Prizes


Honors & Awards

2000 Honorable mention Koganezaki Japan

2001 Grand prize Kanazawa Japan

2001 European prize Prague-Brussels

2004 Honorable mention Kanazawa Japan

2004 Jurors Award Habatat Mi USA

2005 Jurors Award of Excellence Habatat Mi USA

Collections

Museum of Decorativ Arts in Prague Czech Republic

Glass Museum Koganezaki Crystal Park Japan

Glass Museum Kanazawa Japan

The Finnish Glass Museum Riihimäki Finland