Jiri Harcuba: The Infamous Man Behind the Portrait
Jiri Harcuba was born December 6th, 1928 in the notorious glass making village of Harrachov, in the Czech Republic. Jiri was born into a family of glass workers.
“So just who is Jiri Harcuba?” one may inquire. He began his glass career at the young age of fourteen, apprenticing at world renowned Harrachov glass engraving studios. Three years later Harcuba graduated from Special Secondary Glass School at Novy Bor where he studied under Prof. K. Hrodeks, and later went on to spend a summer semester studying as an external student at Pedagogical Faculty of Palackeho University in Olomouc, Leading to his participated in the world exhibition of 1958. In1971 Harcuba embarked on seven years as a free-lance artist. Harcuba was asked to participate in the international conference of crafts in Vienna, where he demonstrated glass engraving and lectured …show more content…
Though left behind was an ominous legacy. A legacy of engraving, and defending the long traditions of glass artists before him in Harrachov. A legacy of pursuing education in the glass arts from such a young age up until his passing. A legacy of teaching from continent to continent the various cold working and glass casting techniques he honed, developed, and mastered throughout his career. A legacy of supporting those that believed in free speech and honoring the ideals of freedom and truth. A legacy that will live on in those that he taught, and those that will continue to push the boundaries of glass engraving and glass portrait work.
Rest in peace Jiri Harcuba. You will be missed by students of the glass craft worldwide. Hopefully you knew in your last days just how much you touched the world with your art, perseverance, and love for life. May the world never forget the life that you lived and the treasures you left