Svatopluk Kasaly

CONTEMPORARY ALTERNATIVE
Třešť, Czech Republic

Czech glass artists are among the best in the world. Most know about Czech glass beads. When we held the First Ornament Competition in 1984, we learned about Svatopluk Kasaly, a Czech glass artist who made beautifully executed glass and metal jewelry that fit the human figure sensually. Kasaly won a prize in our competition, and I subsequently wrote about him. He generously gifted Carolyn and I with the supreb torque shown above, as well as a metal/glass bracelet of equally stunning elegance. In 2015, Patrick visited Svatopluk and his wife, also a glass artist. He gifted us with some of his small mosaics, which have sat on our kitchen window since, changing subtly as the day’s light progresses, a daily reminder of his art and presence. He passed this year, our sadness lightened by the constant reminder of his art and friendship.