Vlastimil Beránek, one of the best european master artisans dedicated to glass sculpture, is the third generation of the well-established, glassmaking Beránek family which founded a glasshouse in Škrdlovice in the Czech Republic in the 1940s. He managed the family glassworks from 1992 to 2008.

Vlastimil studied at the Academy of Applied Arts in Prague. He is particularly interested in the creation of molten glass sculpture and capturing movement in the simplest way, expressing pure energy in solid material. His forms are rigid and minimalistic in design, often surpassing the technical limits of technological possibilities.

His monumental sculptures claim their own space and are not limited to the pedestal. They embrace and integrate different dimensions of the space in which they are placed. His glass sculptures are inspired by the depth as well as the mystery of oceans and also by fire.

Each art piece is unique and exclusive, because it was “freely” shaped without the use of a mold. To sculpt Bohemian crystal is complicated because the material is very brittle and chips easily. Additionally, during melting and grinding, unexpected cracks can develop.

Vlastimil Beránek’s works express movement in a few clean curves. He draws his inspiration from the unknown magic of deep oceans and that is evidenced by his career’s work. In a paradoxical manner, he also draws his inspiration from fire. Vlastimil is deeply concerned about how humans destroy the environment. His dedication to pure perfect form results in immaculately shaped objects perfected with attention to detail and precision.

Shell, aqua, satin is a monumental handmade blue colored mold melted Bohemian crystal sculpture mounted on a stainless-steel pedestal. The sculpture evokes the image of the sea as much in its aquamarine blue color as in its wave-like form. Although static, the sculpture seems to be constantly moving.

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