Lukáš Houdek

Glass sculptor | Nový Bor, Czech Republic

Playing with glass

Lukáš is from Nový Bor, a town famous for glass
He regularly works with his older brother Filip
His workshop is in HG Atelier Design, Filip's firm

The language of Lukáš Houdek is straightforward. He doesn't try to faze his audience with unfathomable meanings; everyone can understand the message, because it is relatable. Lukáš plays with well known pop culture symbols, placing them in unexpected contexts in order to raise a smile. "I like being playful; humour is present in a lot of my works," he says. Nevertheless, his ambition is not merely to have fun. "There must be an energy that enriches the customer's mind, a creative spirit with no fear of experimenting." His works have an intelligent core and are often inspired by people he admires: Duchamp, Malich, Le Corbusier. As a result, the straightforwardness he brings is sophisticated, full of humility, and never afraid to play.

Interview

©Yrka

©Ondrej Pomykal

Where does your inspiration come from?: It's all around. Ideas come from every corner; when talking to my partner or brother – both designers – to my friends, to clients, on the street, during a jog, in a sauna, on vacation... Surprisingly, it doesn't usually come when I work!
Why do you often combine glass with other materials?: I love glass, but when I work with a single material, it becomes boring. It's so fun to combine materials, surfaces and shapes, searching for the perfect result. There are so many practical and visual possibilities yet to be explored. I always love to experiment.
Is that why you make art pieces as well as functional objects?: Free creation is great. You can make changes, decide as you go along. Of course, you must work hard to make art installations. For instance, the light piece called Armstrong that I made with my brother was a very complex work.
Do you enjoy making pieces to order?: It's great to know that your design appeals to the client – you know that both emotional and financial reward will come. Naturally, I don't like changes and complications. The best scenario is meeting the customer, 3D sketching on the spot and getting feedback right away.

Lukáš Houdek is a rising star: he began his career in 2016