Martin Blank

There are three qualities that factor into my work. First is the visual presence and expressiveness of the human form. Roman, Greek, and Renaissance masters are clearly a strong influence, yet my work is not about a perfect idealized body, or exact musculature. I draw from an expressionistic quality, the feeling that all the aspects of the figure are there, without actually being there. I would call myself an intuitive artist, rather than a conceptual one. I go by gut feeling. I work on relating each piece to the other, in order to cut a line in space that flows, turns, and carries the eye around the piece.

Second, the act of making the work is an intense experience.
I must pull together a group of people to work together non-stop for hours on end with constant focus, coordination, support, and effort. It amazes me that my team is willing to do all this, and help me create my dream. I have outstanding help.

Third is the glass itself: its properties, and the unique process of its formation. Masses of molten glass are layered onto a base form, then heated and shaped with steel tools before more glass is added; bit by bit, reheated after reheated, hour after hour, the piece evolves into a state of beauty. The human form is pulled and pushed, twisted, cut, and bent into being, into a presence that leaves a distinct emotional imprint. It comes down to the simple fact that I love to make my work. It gives me a profound feeling of satisfaction, and brings joy and beauty to others. Through it, I share with perfect strangers a bond of understanding and appreciation.

Bio
Born August 29, 1962

POSITION
Martin Blank Studios
Independent artist producing works and major commissions for
contemporary art collectors and gallery exhibits, 1986-present.

EDUCATION
BFA, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, Rhode Island, Major in Glass, 1984.

HONORS AND AWARDS
Chosen for "Art in the Embassies" program, American Embassy
to Slovakia, 1996
Pilchuck Glass School Scholarship, Stanwood, Washington,
1990,1986

SOLO EXHIBITIONS
Museum of Northwest Art La Conner, WA 2003-2004
Habatat Galleries, Chicago, Illinois, 1998, 2001
Habatat Galleries, Pontiac, Michigan, 2000, 1998
Habatat Galleries, Boca Raton, Florida, 2000, 1997, 1996
Friesen Gallery, Ketchum, Idaho, 2000
William Traver Gallery, Seattle, Washington, 1999,1998,1996
Fay Gold Gallery, Atlanta, Georgia, 1999
The Rachael Collection, Aspen, Colorado, 1999, 1997
Grand Central Gallery , Tampa, Florida, 1997
Friesen Fine Art, Sun Valley, Idaho, 1996,1995
Helander Gallery, Palm Beach, Florida, 1995

GROUP EXHIBITIONS
SOFA NY, Habatat Galleries Chicago 1999-2001
SOFA Chicago, Habatat Galleries Michigan 1996-2003
Habatat Galleries, Pontiac, MI 1996-2001
Habatat Galleries, Boca Raton, FL 1996-2001
Habatat Galleries, Chicago, IL 1997-2001
Habatat Galleries, Royal Oak MI, Annual International Glass
Invitational 2004
Habatat Galleries, Boca Raton, FL Annual Glass Invitational 2003
Imago Gallery, Palm Desert, CA 1996-1999
Toronto International Art Fair, Sandra Ainsley Gallery, Toronto,
Canada 2001
International Glass Exhibition, Habatat Galleries, Shanghai Fine Arts Museum, China and Millennium Museum, Beijing, China
2001
J. Gallery , Hong Kong, 1996
Fay Gold Gallery, Atlanta, Georgia, 1996
PBCC Museum, Palm Beach, Florida, 1996
Riley Hawk Gallery, Columbus, Ohio, 1996
Horwich Lewallen Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1996, 1994, 1993, 1992
William Traver Gallery, Seattle, Washington, 1996, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990
Heller Gallery, New York, New York, 1997,1996
Grand Central Gallery, Tampa, Florida, 1996,1995
SOFA NY, Grand Central Gallery, Tampa, Florida, 1996,1995
SOF A Miami, Grand Central Gallery , Tampa, Florida, 1995
Helander Gallery, Palm Beach, Florida, 1994,1993
Friesen Fine Art, Seattle, Washington, 1995
Grand Central Gallery, Tampa, Florida, Nude, 1995
Taiwan International Invitational, Taipei, Taiwan, 1995
Seatac International Airport, Sea-tac, Washington, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990

SELECTED COLLECTIONS
Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada, 1998
3COM Corporation, San Jose, California, Dining Room l~culpture, 1998

Elton John, London, England, Figure Sculpture, 1996
Bill Gates Residence, Seattle, Washington, Pipes, 1993
Melvin Poll, Inc., Seattle, Washington, Current, 30'xI5' Interior Sculpted Wall, fused glass, steel, and wood, 1994
Time Warner, Los Angeles, California, Figure Sculpture, 1995
Kenny G. Residence, Los Angeles, California, Figure Sculpture, 1993
The Benaroya Company, Seattle, Washington, Figure Sculpture, 1995
Ron Kaufman, Singapore, Figure Sculpture, 1993
Sunhills Country Club, Tokyo, Japan, Janus Series, 1990
Palisades Restaurant, Seattle, Washington, Chandeliers, 1993
La Plume Bar, The Regent Hotel, Hong Kong Janus Series, 1993

Palomino Restaurants, Seattle, Minneapolis, Palm Springs, San Francisco, Honolulu, Dallas, Denver, Indianapolis, Cinncinatti, Westwood, Chandeliers

KIRO TV, Studio, Seattle, Washington, Glass Set Design, 1994

Jennifer James Residence, Seattle, Washington, Entry Way Sculpture, 1995

Pacific First Center International Pilchuck Collection, Seattle, Washington, Janus Series, 1989

Sheldon & Penny Bernick Residence, Media, Pennsylvania, Pipes, 1995

Everett Properties, Bellevue, Washington, Figure Sculpture, 1995
Slattery Residence, Seattle, Washington, Entry Way Chandelier, Alabaster Pipes, Dining Room Pendant, 1994
Robin Lockhart, Switzerland, 1998
David & Jill Herrensberger, Eagle Hardware, 1998
Eve & Chap Alvord, 1995
Pepe Residence, Cleveland, Ohio, Entry Way Sculpture, 1996
Sheldon & Penny Bernick, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Entry Way Sculpture, 1996
Pat & Marty Fine Residence, Miami, Florida, Pipes, 1996
Slattery Residence, Seattle, Washington, Rising Home, Site Specific Installation, 1996

COMMISSIONS
Children's Hospital, Auction, Seattle, Washington, "Featured Work", 1998, 1997
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Auction, " Stars", 1997, 1996

Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, " The Living Giving Award", 1994, 1993

Pilchuck Glass School, Auction, Catalog Design, 1994
Pilchuck Glass School, Auction, Award Piece, 1993

CREATED WORK FOR:
Dale Chihuly
Anne Hamilton
Jim Melchert
Judy Pfaff
Lauren Ewing
Christian Jones/Andrew Ginzel

TELEVISION
KIRO TV, "Strictly Northwest", March 1994
Lufthansa Airlines, In-Air Special Segment, 1998
PBS, "Chihuly Over Venice", 1998
KCTS, "Current"
IBM, Convention film

PUBLICATIONS
Seattle Times, "Scene", May 1999
Aspen Times, "Visual Arts", March 1999
Chicago Tribune, " Arts & Entertainment", May 1998
American Style, " Americans & Glass", 1997, p. 28
New Glass, "Glass and Architecture", January 1997 p.15
Seattle Times, "Arts & Entertainment", February 1996
GLASS: Urban Glass Quarterly, #63, Summer 1996, p.52
Arts and Antiques, Summer 1996, pp. 32-38
Atlanta Magazine, " At Home", Summer 1996, p. 70
American Style, June 1996, p. 17
Seattle Times, " Arts & Entertainment", February 1996
Sun Valley Tempo, " The Maestro of Motion", February 1996
Seattle Times, " Arts & Entertainment", September 1995
Life Magazine, "Profiles", September 1994, p. 171
Christian Science Monitor, October 1994, pp. 12-13
Private Clubs Magazine, September 1994, p.69
Destination, United Airlines Magazine, 1993
Rozek's Magazine, Volume I, Number 7, January 1994
Sunset Magazine, May 1993, p. 76
Conde Nast Travelers, November 1993, p. 61
Glasswork, "Blowers of the Pacific NW", March 1992
Hawaiian Island Home, "Formed of Earth & Fire"