Artist

FRANK ZIKA, GLASS SCULPTOR


At the foot of an extinct volcano just south of Big Sur, California, Frank Zika plays with molten glass. In his studio, surrounded by a lush garden of avocado and eucalyptus trees, he explores the artistic and technical possibilities that lie dormant in the expanses of flat glass that surround us everyday.

Discovering the World Inside GlassTo engage with this realm of glass that evolves from flat to liquid as it comes to life, Zika designed and built a state-of-the-art, computer controlled, 9000-watt kiln engineered specifically to express his ideas. Since there are very few studio artists in the world forming large panels of architectural glass, he pioneered all the research and development of materials and methods used to make these works. This process of discovery continues today. The artist’s work arises from self-generated innovation: his methodology has involved stretching the parameters
of what is known and then compelling the materials beyond their normal boundaries.

His technical methods are as unique as his art. Zikas current work synthesizes several artistic disciplines including glass forming, print making, metal working, drawing, painting, and sculpture. A simple design on a single sheet of glass requires the use of over 150 tools and materials before it is finished as a framed piece of work.  Despite the complexity, the finished work is minimalist in its use of materials yet powerful in its impact. Complexity yields simplicity.

Light Made Solid

Zika was born and raised by a family of world class artists. In his early twenties, he drew great inspiration from his time spent with Tewa potter Maria Martinez from San Ildelfonso Pueblo, New Mexico. During the time he spent with her in the San Jacinto Mountains of California, her simple yet elegant burnished black stoneware influenced his own use of color. Zika creates art that reanimates the movement of color in the surrounding environment. The movement observed is not within the sculpture but of the world which it inhabits.  Zika’s glass is light made solid, pooled on the surface and awaiting the observer’s eye.

The ability to sculpturally manipulate an industrial material and still have it meet all federal safety standards is a rare achievement. It reflects a deep dedication to the material. Because of this, Zika’s work can be fully integrated into architecture. All panels, with some exceptions, can be used as windows and, when tempered, can be legally and outrageously used as door inserts. These door panels are not for the aesthetically faint of heart, for the entrance becomes entrancing.

Recognition

Zika’s work has received international recognition, such as when it was  included in the International Selection of the Corning Museum of Glass in 1999 and 1995. Nationally, it received the 1999 NICHE award for best kiln-formed glass in the United States. Zika’s work has also been selected for the California Design Exhibition in 2002, 1997 and 1994. His work has been exhibited in galleries and museum shows with other glass notables Steve Correia, John Luebtow, Czeslaw Zuber, Dan Dailey, and Dale Chihuly.

Frank Zika is passionate about his work because a true work of art evokes the artist’s depth of spirit. If the artist is fortunate enough to truly  breathe life into the the finished work, that art work can open up others to the joy and wonder experienced during its creation.



RECENT JURIED EXHIBITIONS AND SELECTIONS


2002 California Design

  1. California Contemporary Crafts Association

  2. Contract Design Center: San Francisco, California


2000 In Solid Motion

  1. San Luis Obispo Art Center: San Luis Obispo, California

  2. Solo Show


2000 Glass 3

  1. Oceanside Museum of Art: Oceanside, California

  2. Invitational group show with Steven Correia and John Luebtow


1999 New Glass Review 20

  1. The Corning Museum of Glass: Corning, New York

  2. International Selection


1999 NICHE Award

  1. NICHE Magazine: Baltimore, Maryland

  2. Best Kiln Formed Glass in America


1998 Craftmakers ‘98

  1. University Art Gallery, Cal Poly State University: San Luis Obispo, California

  2. Jurors Award of Excellence


1997 California Design ‘97

  1. California Contemporary Crafts Association

  2. Contract Design Center: San Francisco, California


1997 Through The Glass Brightly II

  1. Oceanside Museum: Oceanside, California


1995 Craftmakers ‘95

  1. San Luis Obispo Art Center: San Luis Obispo, California

  2. Jurors Award of Excellence


1995 New Glass Review 16

  1. The Corning Museum of Glass: Corning, New York

  2. International Selection


1994 California Design ‘94

  1. California Contemporary Crafts Association,

  2. Contract Design Center: San Francisco, California


1994 Influences I

  1. University Art Gallery, Cal Poly State University: San Luis Obispo, California

  2. Invitational group show with Dale Chihuly




Frank Zika    141 Cuesta Dr.    San Luis Obispo     CA 93405   

Phone: 805-547-9025    Email:  frank@frankzika.com