Latchezar Boyadjiev at work in his studio.
GLASS: What are you working on?
Latchezar Boyadjiev: Like our economy and the political situation around the world, I’m in a transitional stage at the moment, but looking forward optimistically. The last three years have had a big impact on my life and artistic creativity. With the downturn in the economy I was facing a financial collapse, but that has changed into a blessing. I purchased an old commercial building and slowly converted it into a perfect studio as well as a nice place to live with my family. Now I don’t have double expenses every month and can better concentrate on my work.
Over the last 14 years, I’ve been casting my work in the Czech Republic. To help the environment and save time and extra costs, I now make the castings in my studio in California. The bonus is I can spend more time with my family.
Latchezar Boyadijev, Woman II, 2011. H 24, W 26, D 4 in. Cast glass.
I’ve changed the scale of my work to larger more monumental pieces, including some that will debut in SOFA Chicago. It’s an exciting time for me — I love challenges and work hard to turn difficulties into opportunities, as well as to excel and refine my skills. At the moment I am working on a series of torsos and am including an image of Woman II (24“x26“x4”) in the latest piece I have done.
GLASS: What have you seen recently that inspired you?
Latchezar: Although I see a lot of glass art at SOFA and other exhibitions, I try not to look closely at anyone’s work for a fear of being influenced. The same thing goes for museums: I try to keep my work purely mine and unique.
Latchezar Boyadijev, Flight, 2010. Cast glass. H 35, W 23, D 5 in.
However, I am highly influenced by music, as is evident in the motion and energy of my sculptures. My wife is a professional harpist, and I played piano and oboe when I was young, so music is a constant in our home.
My influence is also spiritual. I strive to make beauty and energy come to life inside my sculptures.
GLASS: Do you have any exhibitions coming up that you can talk about?
Latchezar: You can see my work at Habatat Galleries, Hawk Gallery, Pismo Galleries, Schantz Gallery and Thomas Riley Galleries.