Who is ART-DES?
My name is Zuzana Bobrovská, and I established my ART-DES brand back in 2003. I’ve always had a deep interest in art, and I was raised in an environment that encouraged creativity. My father is a talented architect, and my sister is a wonderful artist as well. I started painting before I could even walk — literally! I hold a Master’s degree in Fine Arts (Master of Arts) from the Technical University of Košice. But this isn’t just about my curriculum vitae; it’s about my journey as an artist.
Being an artist isn’t an easy path. When people ask, “What do you do for a living?” my answer is simple: “I make art.” I’ve been doing this for over 22 years now. Am I successful? I couldn’t have come this far without the support and trust of my family and friends. Am I making living out of ART-DES? I do my best.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of exhibiting my work internationally, from Europe to the United States. Despite this, I remain grounded and keep a humble attitude. By day, I run my small store in Košice, where I sell my creations, and by night, I work on new pieces in my studio. I handle everything myself — from creating and packaging to personally sending out each order. And of course, I’m also dedicated to being a supportive mother to my son, who is now an adult.
I’m not here to compete with mass-produced, generic “glass art” pieces. Each of my creations holds a piece of me. No two pieces are ever the same. I only use high-quality, lead-free glass, and the pigments and frits I use are safely fused, so my products are “kitchen safe.” My passion lies in creating art itself. Every project I take on — even those where clients request specific pieces — is my favorite. I love the challenge of making my clients happy and exceeding their expectations. The “wow” moment when they see the finished product is the most rewarding part of my work.
One of the proudest moments of my career was when I finally received my custom kiln, designed to my exact specifications. I remember the excitement when I first placed glass inside and eagerly awaited the final result.
Over the years, I’ve sold thousands of fused glass art pieces, but I’ve only recently started selling online. If you have any suggestions for improvement or ideas for collaboration, I’m always open to hearing them!
The hand that creates belongs not only to the body — it belongs to thought, to feeling, to a dream made tangible. The artist’s touch is the first silent dialogue between his inner world and the work yet to come. Where dust meets passion, art is born — leaving a mark not only on the material, but on the soul as well.
Over the years, I’ve found that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places — the colors of a sunrise, the rhythm of music, or even the quiet moments of everyday life. I often sketch out new ideas during peaceful walks or late-night thoughts, letting emotions guide my creativity. I believe art should evoke feeling, spark connection, and carry a piece of the artist’s soul. Each creation is a story frozen in glass — a reflection of beauty, passion, and craftsmanship. My greatest joy is knowing my work lives on in homes around the world, bringing light and meaning – this is what ART-DES is about.
Handmade glassmaking is a significant part of Slovak heritage and is even listed on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Glass has played a vital role in human culture since the dawn of civilization, valued for both its practicality and beauty. Its unique decorative qualities have made it a key material in art, architecture, and everyday objects throughout history. From ancient societies to modern times, glass has evolved across cultures, shaping artistic expression and aesthetic industries (read more in this research).
This craft dates back to the 9th century in Slovakia, and by the 13th century, it had evolved into a continuous tradition. By the 18th century, over a hundred glassworks were active throughout the country, and Slovak glass was exported widely — a tradition that continues today.
