5 minute read
GASnews Spring 2024: Member Spotlight
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: IVAN LAMBROV
Ivan Lambrov, born in Bulgaria in 1963, has had a remarkable career in glass art. Growing up surrounded by the cultural richness of his homeland, Lambrov's passion for art blossomed early. His unique artistic journey and his exploration of various mediums eventually led him to the captivating world of glass.
Educated at the prestigious National Academy of Fine Arts in Sofia, Lambrov developed his expertise in mural painting. His body of work from this time encompasses paintings, mosaics, and frescoes. It was also during his academic years that he delved into the world of stained glass—a pivotal experience that laid the groundwork for his later mastery in creating cast glass sculptures, fused glass paintings, and smalti mosaics. The structured yet fluid nature of Lambrov's artistic evolution is a testament to his fusion of formal education, personal inspiration, and a lifelong commitment to the art of glass.
In 1992, he established his art glass studio in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, equipped to facilitate the creation of art glass. Specializing in architectural art glass, the studio collaborates with architects, corporate entities, and private clients, resulting in artworks that grace public spaces with their aesthetic appeal.
Lambrov's creative explorations led him to art forms not related to the architectural environment, inspiring the inception of his cavaletto art. In his paintings, he began using glass as a medium, transforming his oil canvases and watercolors into fused glass paintings with equal expressiveness. This innovation, along with his mastery of cast glass learned at the Bild-Werk International Summer Academy, expanded the horizons of his expression.
Lambrov's artistic development was further enriched through participation in master classes led by prominent artists. Notable among these experiences are the sessions with Max Jacquard in 2011, where he explored kiln casting and glass sculptures. In 2012, Lambrov engaged in a transformative workshop with Stephan Paul Day and Niko Wahl, focusing on collage, glass, and bronze casting. Subsequent master classes in 2013, again with Stephan Paul, delved into the nuances of glass and bronze casting. This education and experience have undeniably shaped Lambrov's artistic trajectory, contributing to the dynamic evolution of his work in the realm of contemporary glass art.
Influenced by enchanting landscapes, mountainous beauty, submerged seascapes, and sea life, Lambrov found inspiration in the intricate details of nature. These influences form the cornerstone of his distinctive artistic style, blending ancient mythological themes with a deep connection to the elements of the earth.
Lambrov's artistic style is a fusion of vivid color palettes, intricate textures, and profound conceptual depth. In his paintings, the marriage of colors and textures harmonizes with the artist's conceptual vision, conveying a rich message to viewers. Despite their two-dimensional nature, Lambrov employs a three-dimensional technique, inviting observers to sense the depth of space and the images within. The paintings come alive, evoking a spectrum of perceptions, feelings, thoughts, associations, and emotions—an embodiment of abstract expressionism.
Abstract expressionism is also evident in his mosaics, despite the decorative nature imposed by the medium.
His sculptures, often possessing volume on all sides, manifest zoomorphic, anthropomorphic, or lithospheric rock forms. Frequently, a combination of these forms emerges, intricately tied to the conceptual intent of each piece. A distinctive feature is the pronounced relief, mirroring natural forms and embodying the multilayeredness of conceptual design. Mythological subjects and ideas interweave in layers, with rough sides intentionally left to enhance the play of light on the relief forms. Lambrov's sculptures exude mystique, transporting viewers to an ethereal realm. The color schemes vary, ranging from monochromatic elegance to a harmonious blend of vibrant hues. In Lambrov's glass art, sculpture becomes a synthesis of his artistic talent, inviting audiences to explore the intricate tapestry of his creative imagination.
Ivan Lambrov's creative process reveals an in-depth exploration of his artistic journey. Here is what the artist says:
"It all starts with a drawing. When tasked with creating a painting, I develop a color sketch using watercolor, a combination of watercolor and acrylic, or through collage with color papers and acrylic. Multiple projects are generated, and I carefully select the one that aligns most closely with my vision. I enlarge the chosen sketch to my selected scale and I start cutting the glass. The painting undergoes several firings in the kiln, with layers of glass and enamel added at each stage.
"Similarly, the process for mosaics mirrors that of paintings. Following the same project steps and design stages, enlarging the design to the actual mosaic size, the arrangement of modules becomes a joyful exercise.
"The creation of glass sculptures is a more elaborate and time-intensive journey. I begin by producing several drawings of the form, each presenting a distinct perspective. In these preliminary sketches, decisions are made regarding color, polished surfaces and textured areas. Enlarging these drawings to the actual sculpture size, I start working with clay. After shaping the clay to completion, I transform it into a wax form. The wax copy is then cast in a refractory mold, and once the wax evaporates within, I cast the chosen glass. Emerging from the kiln, the sculpture undergoes a final polishing."
Ivan Lambrov's creative process is a symphony of artistic vision, technical skill, and a profound connection with the transformative nature of glass as a medium. Works by Ivan Lambrov can currently be seen in three galleries in Bulgaria - Inhom Art Glass Gallery in Varna, Gallery Finesse in Sofia and Aspect Art Gallery in Plovdiv.
