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
