Blown Glass is our process. It starts as clear crystal and frits are rolled into it for color and pattern. The frits come from two companies in Germany. According to Chihuly, they are the best in the world. While the glass is still hot it is fumed with titanium, a Tiffany technique with a space age metal. It was chosen for its overall reflection and iridescence. The quality of the glass blowing is determined by not only the thickness but also its overall uniformity. In other words, it is thin and uniform from its center to the edge. I selected copper as my metal for several reasons. It is flexible enough to be worked by hand and then through heat treating it can be made rigid. Another reason is permanence. Copper is found in sheet form in Michigan. It is layered between rocks and has been there for millions of years in its natural state. Copper was chosen for the Statue of Liberty for its resistance to salt air. The only issue with the statue to date has been the ironwork that has rotted away in the arm. Depending on formulas, bronze is 94-97% copper; the inclusions are to give it hardness. This allows me to use a museum brown bronze chemical patina for color. The metal is then clear coated with enamel and heat treated. My copper designs are generally in my mind. Occasionally I may make a basic sketch to retain an idea but that is rare. I braze all of my pieces at approximately 1800 degrees with oxygen/acetylene. The copper is at its melting point when I apply a copper rod to make the connection. Even though I schooled in jewelry and am familiar with soldering, the process to connect copper is much more intense. I like to build up the shoulders of my joints; consequently, the application of heat is very delicate. Too much and the entire joint dissolves and falls off. Of course, too little heat and nothing happens. It is the point between melting and dissolving that is critical. I also apply my rod to the piece to create texture and design. My pieces have no soft solder, plumbers solder, epoxies, glues, etc, that will fail over time. The work basically becomes one piece and is permanent. In places where I have determined to use glass I have brazed a brass bolt.To secure the glass I use neoprene rubber washers and an industrial machinery knob with a brass insert. This is important as metals react with each other. If you were to use steel on brass, eventually the steel could become permanently attached. My pieces are made from hollow tubing; therefore they are very lightweight and easy to install. A large piece may weigh as little as ten pounds.Most of my work is by commission. I love a challenge!!
Custom Orders
Specializing in the perfect piece for your space. If you see a design that you like and need it a different size....would like to incorporate an element from a different design....have a space that you would like to have John design a specific piece....
Anything is possible including lighting and water features! Extra large pieces can be made in sections for easy installation.
Artist of the Month
John Zidek
Every so often you will come across the work of an artist and have your breath taken away. It is almost always assured to happen when you come across the work of John Zidek. John creates the most beautiful glass wall sculptures.
With passion and a vision like none before him, John's mesmerizing sculptures capture your very being. In a world of mass product & mass production John's one-of-a-kind hand crafted pieces leave a legacy of art~ to be collected & treasured for generations to come.
John uses a very rare Tiffany Style Titanium Finish on all of his pieces. The craftsmanship and detailed assembly make these long lasting and generational pieces to be handed down through the family. John employs old world craftsmanship into each of his pieces
Boulderbrook Productions – Richard P. Sullivan, Director
"First Place" Sarasota Masters 2009
"First Place" Maitland Spring Art Festival Maitland/Winter Park Florida 2009
"First Place" Maitland Spring Art Festival Maitland/Winter Park Florida 2008
"Best of Category" Buffalo Grove Invitational Art Festival Buffalo Grove, Illinois 2008
"Best of Category" in the #1 Rated Art Festival in the Country Amdur Productions "Gold Coast" Downtown Chicago 2007
