Gordana Glass is a world-renowned artist, who became fascinated by working with glass. Her art objects are valued as precious gifts for important personalities. In addition, she also began to profile herself as an interior designer with unusual glass objects of large dimensions. On the occasion of the next event of our magazine's annual golf tournament – the 9th Real-Treuhand & Travel Fever Golf Cup – for which Gordana once again created original trophies, we asked her for an interview.
GLASS IS LITERALLY YOUR PASSION. WHEN WAS THE DECISION MADE FOR YOU TO FOCUS ON THIS FASCINATING MATERIAL IN YOUR WORK?
I have to say that it has been quite a while since I decided to work with glass. All I remember is that it was love at first sight. It is a material with incredible possibilities and, unlike others, you can see through it right into the soul.
WHICH ONE OF YOUR CREATIONS WAS THE FIRST TO RECEIVE SUCH A RECEPTION THAT YOU WERE LITERALLY SURPRISED BY ITS SUCCESS? HOW HAS IT INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR FURTHER PROFESSIONAL LIFE?
It is a work I was asked to create for the Holy Father. For me, it embodies one of the greatest, not only spiritual, but also material values. I thought it was a dream when I learned that such a work was to be created by me. Then, when the government of the Slovak Republic was preparing for another visit by the Pope, it honoured me again with a request for a work that it could present to the Holy Father. This pleased me twice. It was no longer a matter of what kind of work it should be, but for whom! These circumstances and works brought a completely new perspective on understanding the world and humility into my life.
YOUR WORKS ARE OFTEN CONSIDERED HIGHLY VALUED AWARDS. SOME OF THESE PRIZES ARE REGULARLY RECEIVED BY SUCCESSFUL PARTICIPANTS IN OUR TRAVEL FEVER MAGAZINE'S GOLF TOURNAMENT. WHERE HAVE YOUR CREATIONS BEEN SOLD AS RARE WORKS OF ART?
In recent years, there have been events, such as Sportsman of the Year and Golfer of the Year, the Olympic Torch and awards for the winners of the Grand Prix in Šamorín, Slovakia. My trophy is also owned by Petra Vlhova, the World Cup downhill winner in Jasná. In addition to the awards, I also created a travelling trophy in partnership with L'Etape Slovakia for the Tour de France. However, apart from the sporting competitions, I also had the honour of creating the Esprit Award for the best jazz album, and the award for Lawyer of the Year in the Czech Republic.
YOU ALSO CREATE GIFTS FOR PROMINENT PERSONALITIES. CAN YOU TELL US WHICH FAMOUS PEOPLE PRIDE THEMSELVES ON OWNING YOUR WORKS AND ON WHICH OCCASION THEY WERE GIVEN TO THEM? WHAT PLEASED YOU ABOUT SUCH ACTS, OR THE PEOPLE WHO RECEIVED THEM?
For example, I took part in an audition to choose a gift for the British Queen. I wanted to give her something she didn't yet have. The result was a unique crystal jewellery box in which she could store her pearls. It is special in many ways, light and moisture can penetrate it, and it is made of gold. In addition, it also contains the Slovak seal and the symbol of Bratislava Castle. It was similar to the gift for the Queen of Norway, where I also received an audience at a Royal Dinner.
PEOPLE PERCEIVE ART GLASSWORKS PRIMARILY IN THE FORM OF THE CREATION OF SMALL DECORATIVE OBJECTS SUCH AS VASES, GLASSES, BOWLS AND CHANDELIERS. CURRENTLY, HOWEVER, WE ALSO ENCOUNTER YOUR CREATIONS IMPRINTED IN INTERIOR DÉCOR.
I think that glass is gaining a lot of space in today's interiors. It is mainly because people do not have time to live with Nature, yet want to have it within reach, to let it into their dwellings. Some of the interior realisations closest to my heart are the large glass sculptures that are installed into walls, if the statics of the building allow it. I illuminate these large glass surfaces and thus complete the moment of looking into Nature. But one can imagine whatever is evoked by these realisations.
CREATING GLASS ARTEFACTS IS QUITE CHALLENGING AND IT SEEMS THAT NOTHING NEW CAN BE INVENTED ANYMORE. HOWEVER, YOUR WORK PROVES THE OPPOSITE. WHAT ARE THE CURRENT TRENDS?
In my opinion, everything has already been thought out. It's just a matter of combining a certain moment with a certain place and thus creating the space for something unique and unexpectedly beautiful. Today, we have incredible technologies at our disposal that move the design world forward. But let's leave it to the people, to the creators. I will see what else I can surprise others with, as well as myself, over the course of the year.
WHERE CAN WE VIEW YOUR CREATIONS? ARE YOU ALSO PREPARING ANY INTERESTING EXHIBITIONS?
We are currently working on multiple creative productions at the same time. Probably the biggest is the Media House project. This Media House in Prague has 8 floors and is interwoven with art that should energise people and create a space for inspiration. The works of my Gordana Glass brand will be a permanent part of this building. But we will be happy if you also visit our gallery in Prague or the studio in Bratislava.
Whether we like it or not, we are connected to Nature and our desire for its proximity grows increasingly. This can also be seen in the modern approach to development construction. A perfect example of connecting Nature with housing is the extensive Green Village project of the Real-Treuhand company. It is flourishing near Benešov and Konopiště Chateau, with the 2nd stage currently being completed, offering 25 family houses for immediate occupancy with a layout of 4-5 kk (3 to 4 bedrooms). However, Real-Treuhand has more unique projects prepared.
He has been working in the insurance industry for more than 25 years. He is happiest with good results and the satisfaction of clients and employees. Above all, he considers it as the greatest success when the people around him and in the company are happy, healthy and successful. He keeps fit with his favourite sports, which include mountain biking, skiing, running and golf. This also puts him in a good mood. Perhaps this is also why his most popular historical figure is Jára Cimrman, the Czech fictional scientist and all-rounder. The most distant destination Pavel Wiesner has visited, however, is real – South Africa.
