KARL SCHANTZ

Biography

Born in Rochester NY; immigrated to Toronto in 1974.

I studied Fine Art & Design / Advertising Design & Communications, University of California (UCLA); BFA / AAS, and MFA, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT); Artist-in-Residence, RIT, School of American Craftsmen, Glass Dept.

My exhibitions include: Invitational Contemporary Glass Exhibition, Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery, London ON; A Chronical of Modern Crafts (book publication), Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto, Japan; Canadian Modern Exhibition (book publication), Royal Ontario Museum; and as a New Member at the Canadian Sculpture Centre.

Museum Collections include: Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto; Museum of Fine Arts, Montreal; National Museum of Civilization, Ottawa; Broadview House Glass Museum, UK; Museum of Decorative Arts, Switzerland; Rochester Institute of Technology, New York; Liberty Museum, Philadelphia; Austrian Glass Museum, Austria; Corning Museum of Glass, New York; Steirsches Glasmuseum, Austria; National Museum of Modern Art, Japan

International Private and Corporate Collections:
Claridge Collection, David Mirvish, Imperial Oil, General Foods Canada, Dow Chemical, Cadillac Fairview, Maclean Hunter Publishing, Baton Broadcasting System, Cohon Fine Art Collection, Northwater Capital, Borowsky / Wagman Art Collection, Government House Collection, Ben Heineman, Abramson Fine Art Collection, L.Singer, Hilbert Sosin, Mendel Collection, Rochester Institute of Technology, Firestone Fine Art Collection….and many more.

Schantz was the former Head of Glass Dept, Sheridan College, School of Craft & Design; Advisor, Glass Studios, Harbourfront Corporation; and Awards Committee, Ontario Crafts Council.

Artist Statement

As an artist and designer, I strive for technical excellence and spiritual latitude. Much inspiration and interest have come from my personal research into ancient cultures, such as the ancient Egyptians and the Maya.

The majority of my 2/3 dimensional artworks have been made of glass, utilizing a wide range of hot and cold working fabrication and decorative techniques. I employ a ‘celebration of colour’ and the frequencies of colour relationships. The ‘architecture of the vessel’ technically and conceptually continues to play a dominant part in my work. Generally my work is of a ceremonial nature, yet the vessel may be a singular statement, part of a series, or appear as a symbolic component of a larger sculpture or installation. Through my work, I have been dubbed a “Primitive Futurist”; a curious analogy.

Along with the development of series sculpture, I have explored site specific architecturally integrated artworks for the built environment through the commissioned process for public art installations, corporate, and private realms. I enjoy consulting and collaborating with project architects, engineers, fellow artists, scientists, and collectives where expanded creative and inventive potential results.