My Favorites
I have a weakness for an extraordinary hand work and I would like to share it with you.
I have a friend in Winnipeg, Canada. His name is Jaroslav Vydra and he is a master of engraving. He has been commissioned to crate works for several dignitaries and celebrities, including the former United States President George H. W. Bush, His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex (also known as Prince Edward), and California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife Maria Shriver.
Jaroslav Vydra was born in Czechoslovakia, same as me. Czechoslovakia (after 1993 known as the Czech Republic) is a very small country but many famous people were born there like Jaromir Jagr, Martina Navratilova, Ivana Trump, Ivan Lendl, Milos Forman (director of movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Hair, Valmont, Amadeus etc.) or professor Otto Wichterle best known for his invention of modern soft eye contact lenses. Also doctor Bohdan Pomahac (if I would translate his name it would be "Godgiven Helper") is very famous all over the world. He transplants new faces to those who lost them in some terrible accidents. I mustn't forget to remind also Antonin Dvorak (composer), Alphons Mucha (painter) or Thomas Bata (shoe magnate). There are many more but it would take many pages to name them all.
Jaroslav's art is really exceptional and breath taking. He works with glass, wood and also metal. His engraved knives, gun-stocks and crystal will amaze you. I can't describe all the beauty because I don't have enough words. It's the best to see his art at:
www.aidacrystal.ca
Then you will know what am I talking about.
Enjoy!
Jaroslav Vydra - artist
Crystal engraving
Gun-stock carving
Knife carving and engraving