Filip Dobias, David Gabera & Jakub Petr

Crystal Creative

Glass sculptor | Vsetin, Czech Republic

The fourth dimension

Filip, David and Jakub are united by their love for glass
They all grew up in glassworking families
They are experts of an almost forgotten technique

With a glassworking tradition running through all their families, Filip Dobias, David Gabera and Jakub Petrthey, founders of Crystal Creative studio, all have glass in their blood. The shapes of their contemporary pieces don't flaunt luxury, yet there is something very noble hidden in the precisely elaborated curves and lines. Something that makes one want to touch the edges and observe the object from various angles, relishing the play of shades created by the shape. "It took me some time to realise the reason why glass was such a unique material. It's the light. Glass is the only material on the planet that can transmit, refract and intercept light. It has the fourth dimension," says one of the three artisans of the Crystal Creative studio, Filip Dobias.

Interview

©Filip Dobias

Why did you decide to pursue this craft?: Filip: Well, we all fell in love with glass. David used to go to glassworks just to watch and admire his father working. Jakub calls the production process an alchemist show. I love the atmosphere: the smoke, the haze, the heat… It's like a wonderful hell.
What is the characteristic feature of Crystal Creative?: Filip: Our biggest advantage is that we are a small company. We can adapt our work perfectly to the needs of our customers. Plus, we have experience at big commercial companies. David was the master cutter in Moser and Crystalex; I worked for a French furniture company.
Why did you take a risk and leave the established companies?: Filip: We lacked the creative freedom. David had a high position, but serial production becomes monotonous. Jakub engages in fine art, so he needs creative freedom. And so do I – I wanted to be a painter. This creative desire never leaves you.
Do you have other goals besides the success of your studio?: Filip: We are starting to teach apprentices because most of the experts are now older people. We'd love to pass on the knowledge we have. For instance, it's only us and Moser who uses and commands the old technique of grinding with carborundum wheels.

Filip Dobias, David Gabera & Jakub Petr are master artisans: they began their career in 2005 and they started teaching in 2018