Artist
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.
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
California Contemporary Crafts Association
Contract Design Center: San Francisco, California
2000 In Solid Motion
San Luis Obispo Art Center: San Luis Obispo, California
Solo Show
2000 Glass 3
Oceanside Museum of Art: Oceanside, California
Invitational group show with Steven Correia and John Luebtow
1999 New Glass Review 20
The Corning Museum of Glass: Corning, New York
International Selection
1999 NICHE Award
NICHE Magazine: Baltimore, Maryland
Best Kiln Formed Glass in America
1998 Craftmakers ‘98
University Art Gallery, Cal Poly State University: San Luis Obispo, California
Jurors Award of Excellence
1997 California Design ‘97
California Contemporary Crafts Association
Contract Design Center: San Francisco, California
1997 Through The Glass Brightly II
Oceanside Museum: Oceanside, California
1995 Craftmakers ‘95
San Luis Obispo Art Center: San Luis Obispo, California
Jurors Award of Excellence
1995 New Glass Review 16
The Corning Museum of Glass: Corning, New York
International Selection
1994 California Design ‘94
California Contemporary Crafts Association,
Contract Design Center: San Francisco, California
1994 Influences I
University Art Gallery, Cal Poly State University: San Luis Obispo, California
Invitational group show with Dale Chihuly
Frank Zika 141 Cuesta Dr. San Luis Obispo CA 93405
Phone: 805-547-9025 Email: frank@frankzika.com