Martin Blank is an American glass artist who creates stunning sculptures and installations using the kiln casting technique. Born in Seattle, Washington in 1962, Blank was introduced to glassblowing at the age of 18 while attending community college. He continued his education at the Pilchuck Glass School, founded by renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, where he became a teaching assistant and developed his skills in kiln casting.

Blank’s work is characterized by his use of organic shapes and bold colors. He often incorporates natural elements like water and air into his pieces, creating a sense of movement and flow. His sculptures range in size from small tabletop pieces to large installations that fill entire rooms.

One of Blank’s most notable works is “Fluent Steps,” a 40-foot-tall glass tower installed in the lobby of the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. The piece consists of 32 sections of kiln-cast glass stacked on top of each other, with a flowing water feature at the base. The tower took over a year to create and involved a team of skilled technicians to install.

Another notable work by Blank is “Hive,” a series of glass orbs installed in the ceiling of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The orbs are made up of hundreds of individual glass pieces, each cast and polished by hand. The installation spans over 200 feet and creates a sense of movement and depth in the airport’s central hub.

Blank’s work has been exhibited and collected worldwide, with major installations in the United States, Europe, and Asia. He has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field of glass art, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Glass Art Society in 2014.

In addition to his work as an artist, Blank is also a dedicated teacher and mentor. He has taught at the Pilchuck Glass School, the Pratt Fine Arts Center, and the University of Miami, among others. He is known for his patient and collaborative teaching style, and for encouraging his students to push the boundaries of what is possible with glass.

Overall, Martin Blank is a talented and innovative glass artist whose work pushes the boundaries of what is possible with the medium. His sculptures and installations are both beautiful and thought-provoking, and his contributions to the field of glass art have earned him a well-deserved place among the top artists working in the medium today.