Draft:Zdeněk Kepka

Zdeněk Kepka (born May 4, 1930, Zlonice, died December 23, 2020, in Euskirchen) is a glass artist who, along with his wife, emigrated to Germany in 1982. The Kepka family operates the successful glass company Kepka Art GmbH Euskirchen.

The history of the Kepka family company
The Kepka family is related to the Hykyš family from Zlonice, which was mentioned in the local glassmaking guild's chronicle as early as 1747. The male line of the Hykyš family died out in 1878 with Jan Hykyš, but his widow continued the glassmaking production and later remarried Josef Káše, who carried on the tradition. His daughter, Marie Kášová, had no brothers and in 1919 obtained her own glassmaking qualification to lead the family workshop. She married Karel Kepka, a painter, who in 1924 also obtained a certificate in glassmaking, combining his two professions. Marie provided him with the necessary literature, and Karel Kepka gradually introduced etching and sandblasting techniques to the workshop and improved the technical equipment. He produced mainly sandblasted decorative plaques and tombstones, quickly becoming very successful. His sons, Vladimír (born 1925) and Zdeněk (born 1930), both apprenticed in glassmaking under their father's guidance, further refining the sandblasting method in particular.

In 1948, the Kepka family purchased a building that was formerly barracks in Kostelec nad Labem and converted it into a family home, studio, and workshops. Shortly after relocating, the state confiscated their entire business, and in 1956, the workshop became part of the Central Art Trades. The Kepkas were able to continue working in the workshop as state employees. Karel Kepka developed a unique, highly efficient device for the deep processing of glass blocks by sandblasting. He adapted a tank engine for these purposes and used an aircraft engine for extraction. The Kepka manufactory played a significant role in the 1960s and 1970s, working on commissions for glass artists, among whom were Vladimír Jelínek, Vladimír Kopecký, František Vízner, etc.

Zdeněk Kepka and his family
Zdeněk Kepka apprenticed in his father's workshop and in 1950 obtained a diploma from the Sklárny Poděbrady company. He was called up for two years of military service, from which he deserted. Under the communist regime, the military court classified this act as a criminal offense and espionage, originally sentencing him to death. The sentence was later commuted to ten years in prison, which he was to serve in the uranium mines. Zdeněk Kepka was amnestied after three years but, being considered politically unreliable by the communist authorities, could only work in unskilled factory jobs and pursued glasswork only privately. He was able to return to creative work during the political liberalization of 1968.

His wife, Miluše Kepka (Kepková) (born in 1944), attended a secondary school of fine arts from 1958 to 1962 but was not admitted to a university because her father had been convicted in the 1950s. She met Zdeněk while designing the interiors of a factory club in Kostelec nad Labem and needed advice on implementing a glass wall. Under his guidance, Miluše Kepková also began to work with glass and later became known for her figurative sculptures.

By that time, Zdeněk Kepka and his brother Vladimír were already known internationally thanks to exhibitions organized by Skloexport and Art Centrum, which sold their works. In 1971, some of their pieces were accepted into the prestigious Salon International des Industries et Arts du Feu (SIFE) in Paris, where their sculpture "Shape and Light" won the best work award - the Oscar, which is given by Revue ABC Dècor. In 1977, they received a diploma at the Coburger Glaspreis glass exhibition, which was quite exceptional for glassmakers without a university education.

In an effort to secure a better future for their children, Miluše and Zdeněk Kepka embarked on a journey of hope and resilience, emigrating to Germany in 1982. They initially settled in Rheinbach, where they they established Kepka Art GmbH, laying the foundation for a new beginning, before moving to Euskirchen in 1986.

In a remarkable testament to the enduring legacy of craftsmanship and innovation, Martina Kepka has taken the helm of the family's storied enterprise, Kepka Art GmbH, since 2017. Under her visionary leadership, the company has boldly navigated into the realms of luxury residential and super yacht glass art, setting new standards in the industry and continuing a tradition of excellence that spans decades.

Martina's stewardship has not only preserved the rich heritage of her forebears but also infused the firm with a fresh, ambitious spirit. By specializing in these niche, high-end markets, Kepka Art GmbH has carved out a unique position that celebrates the fusion of art and functionality, bringing bespoke beauty to the lives of its discerning clientele.

Meanwhile, Michaela Kepka, a serial entrepreneur with a keen eye for innovation, occasionally lends her talents to the family business, tackling some of its most challenging projects. Her involvement exemplifies the dynamic synergy of tradition and modernity, showcasing the versatility and depth of glass art as a medium.

Together, the Kepka sisters are not just running a business; they are cultivating a legacy. Their work is a tribute to the generations that came before them and a beacon for the future, illuminating the path for the next generation of artists and entrepreneurs. In their hands, Kepka Art GmbH is not just surviving; it is thriving, expanding the possibilities of glass art and setting new benchmarks for excellence in the industry.

Awards
The awards mentioned highlight significant achievements in the field of glass art by the Kepka family, showcasing their international recognition and contribution to the art form: 1. 1971 Oscar for Glass by Revue ABC Dècor: This prestigious award was bestowed upon the Kepkas for their outstanding work in glass art, marking a notable achievement in their career. The "Oscar" from Revue ABC Dècor signifies a high level of acclaim and recognition within the international art community, acknowledging the exceptional quality, creativity, and innovation of their glass work. Such an accolade would have significantly enhanced their reputation and visibility in the art world. 2. 1977 Coburger Glaspreis, Coburg: Receiving the Coburger Glaspreis is another testament to the Kepka family's excellence in glassmaking. This award, coming from Coburg, is among the most esteemed recognitions in the field of glass art, highlighting the recipients' mastery of technique, artistic innovation, and contribution to the advancement of the medium. The Coburger Glaspreis is celebrated for acknowledging artists who demonstrate exceptional skill and creativity in glass, and winning this prize would have further established the Kepkas as leading figures in the international glass art scene. These accolades underscore the Kepka family's significant impact on and contributions to the field of glass art, reinforcing their legacy as pioneers and innovators. Their work, celebrated by these awards, reflects a deep commitment to pushing the boundaries of glass as a medium for artistic expression.

Selection of Exhibitions

 * 1976 Praha
 * 1978 Galerie J&L Lobmeyr, Vídeň
 * 1978 Zámek Veltrusy (s V. Kepkou)
 * 1982 Vídeň (s V. Kepkou)
 * 1984 Ausstelung des BDA, Galerie im Eichholz, Bonn (s V. Kepkou)
 * 1985 Traume aus Glas, Düsseldorf (s V. Kepkou)
 * 1986 Turm Galerie Bodo Schröder, Bonn (s V. Kepkou)
 * 1987 Phantasie im Glas, Dresden bank AG, Kolín nad Rýnem (s V. Kepkou)

Work
The Kepka family business specializes in a wide array of glass techniques, including blowing, grinding, cutting, sandblasting, engraving, painting on glass, and combining glass with other materials. In the 1970s, the Kepkas also employed unconventional methods in their glass processing, such as splitting or chopping a glass block with a chisel followed by grinding. Aside from creating original glass sculptures and objects, a significant portion of their production focuses on commissions for architecture or decorations for luxury yachts and ocean liners. Among their clients are some renowned names, such as Ralf Schumacher and Stefi Graf.

Literature

 * Sylva Petrová, České a slovenské sklo v exilu, Moravská galerie v Brně a nakladatelství KANT, Praha 2007, MG ISBN 978-80-7027-165-0, KANT ISBN 978-80-86970-49-3
 * Helmut Ricke (ed.), Czech Glass 1945-1980: design in an age of adversity, Museum Kunst Palast, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, Arnoldsche, 2005, s. 381-382
 * Who is Who in Contemporary Glass Art: A Comprehensive World Guide to Glass Artists-Craftsmen-Designers, Waldrich Verlag, München 1993, s. 261 These publications collectively contribute to the documentation and appreciation of Czech and Slovak glass art, highlighting its evolution, the unique challenges faced by its artists, and its influence on the global stage. They are essential for scholars, collectors, and enthusiasts interested in the rich history and dynamic present of glass art from these regions.