© Copyright Nejat Kavvas 2008 - 2021
Heritage
Formal Education
My interest in art, art history and archeology sprang naturally from my Turkish heritage. Having
been born in the land of many human inventions, including glass making, I have been fascinated
with glass objects since childhood. For example, as a youth I purchased one of my first antique
Ionian, tear-drop, glass bottles dating from the 5th century AD. Then, when I was barely 18 years
old, I bought a Lydian, black-glass bracelet dating from the 7th century BC. By observing
antiques, and precious objects in hundreds of museums, are galleries and archeological sites
throughout the world, and having been raised in Anatolia, the cultural crossroads between Asia
and Europe, over the years I have gained much inspiration from what I have seen and
experienced. Consequently, I am enjoying channeling this knowledge into creatively expressing
of my own ideas through different mediums like glass, stainless steel and bronze.
BACHELOR OF PHARMACY, MARMARA UNIVERSITY, ISTANBUL, TURKEY 1974
Including concentrated studies in Archeology, History, Classical Studies, and Art History
Studio Glass Education
STRIPGLASS SCHOOL, TILBURG, THE NETHERLANDS 2010
Flameworking Course with Julie Denton
GLASS FURNACE SCHOOL, ISTANBUL, TURKEY 2009
Pate de Verre Course with Prof. Etsuko Nishi
CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA USA 2009
Sandcasting Course with Prof. Cassandra Straubing
PILCHUCK SCHOOL OF GLASS, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON USA 2009
Sandcasting Course with Stephen Day
ART STATION GLASS STUDIO, AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND 2008
Silicon Mold Making Workshop
ART STATION GLASS STUDIO, AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND 2008
Glass Casting Course
Professional Studios
KAVVAS GLASS STUDIO, NORTH SHORE, AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND,
2009-PRESENT
RICHMOND ROAD STUDIO, TE ATATU NORTH, AUCKLAND, 2008-2009
Exhibitions & Activities
A KID IN A LOLLY SHOP, solo exhibition at Parnell Gallery, Auckland New Zealand 2020
NZSAG Member Exhibition, Whanganui, 2020
ACCELERATION, Solo exhibition at Gama Gallery, Istanbul Turkey, 2019
ART MIAMI ART EXPO, Miami Florida USA, 2018
ISTANBUL COMTEMPORARY ART EXPO, Istanbul Turkey, 2018
EXISTANCE IN SPACE, solo exhibition. Art Bay Gallery Queenstown, New Zealand 2017
TRANSPARENT TALES solo exhibition at Galeri Selvin Istanbul 2015
PARNELL GALLERY, Auckland Art Week, Sculpture Making Demonstration, 2013
ARMAGGAN GALLERY, ART 24/7 VOLUME:2, Istanbul 2013
GLASS FURNACE SCHOOL, Teaching A-Z Mold Making and Kiln Casting Course, Istanbul 2013
KAVVAS GLASS STUDIO, Master Mould Making Course, 2012
RON SANG GALLERY, Invitational Exhibition 2012
CLAUDIA BORELLA GLASS SCHOOL, Teaching at Master Mould Making Workshop 2012
ARMAGGAN GALLERY, Group Exhibition, Istanbul 2011
SOFA CHICAGO, Armaggan Gallery 2011
RON SANG GALLERY, Invitational Exhibition 2011
RED SPOT GALLERY, "Glass Masters" Group show 2011
ARMAGGAN GALLERY, Invitational Exhibition 2011
FLAGSTAFF GALLERY, Solo Exhibition "Glassification" 2010
RON SANG GALLERY, Invitational Exhibition 2010
UXBRIDGE CREATIVE CENTRE, Invitational Exhibition "Exposed" 2010
MOLLY MORPETH CANADAY AWARD, Finalist 2010
RANAMOK GLASS COMPETITION, Finalist 2009
CORBAN ESTATE ART CENTRE, "Eye Candy" 2009
ART STATION, "Ten Years of Glass" 2009
Industrial Glass Experience
DISTRIBUTOR: Import and distribution of mouth blown and various types of
glasswre from Europe comprising about 19% of the total annual glass imports to
New Zealand . 1985-1997
CONSULTANT: Consultant for minor manufacturers in New Zealand regarding
"surface metalizing" of glass surfaces. Introduced new formulations to the industry,
saving almost 35% on silver usage, making New Zealand mirrors competitive.
INVENTOR: Invention and patent application for a unique sandblasting technique
making the mass production of fine designs possible. Sold license in 1982.
Annual visits to international glassware and design fairs in Europe.
Numerous visits to commercial glass manufacturers, enabling design and
production input
Related Professional Experience
In 1997 I established TechLoom & Carpet Creations. Through this business, I
custom designed and fabricated rugs and carpets from pure New Zealand wool for
prominent international hotels, offices and private homes in New Zealand and
overseas. I created almost 400 unique designs. Many of my rugs were
commissioned by notable interior designers, and architects. I also collaborated with
prominent New Zealand painters such as Ralph Hotere, John Papas, Des
Robertshaw, John S. Park to incorporate their paintings in a carpet design.
Artist's Statement
Artists are raconteurs of their society and of their epoch. Their language is the material they
use. I use different mediums like bronze, glass, stone, plastics etc. to tell my story. I try to
create artworks, with personality; that transmit sensations, with elements of fiction or
fantasy.
FLORENCE ART ACADEMY, figurative sculpture studies. Florence Italy, 2018
ROME WORKSHOP, Washington University, Rome Italy, 2017
GLASS FURNACE SCHOOL, teaching “A-Z Mold Making & Kiln Casting Workshop” Istanbul 2013
CLAUDIA BORELLA DESIGN SCHOOL, teaching, “Master Mold Making Workshop” Wanganui 2012