THE SOUL OF A STATUE

ROLE - DIRECTOR / DOP

A fragmented recollection of inspiration, this film is a collage of texture and detail as we observe the extraordinary process of glass sculpture Martin Janecký. 

We glide over the cliffs as we are drawn out to the ocean. The fisherman of the far North of Scotland battle the sea as the rugged features of a bearded man is carved from a single piece of hot glass. The film captures Janeckýs endeavour to translate his visions into a sculpture so breath taking it appears to have a soul of its own. 

Run Time 9 mins

Language English

Genres Experimental Documentary

Completion June 2020

Made with the support of North Lands Creative

When I first began this project, I knew that I had to find a way to reflect the intense, almost trance-like, process Martin Janecký endures when creating these astonishing pieces of work. Some of the pieces we filmed take Martin 6 to 7 hours to create, and due to the nature of glass, he is afforded no breaks throughout the process as the glass requires constant attention.

His rhyme of heat - shape - sculpt - repeat, I aimed to translate into a beat that underpins the film and use this concept as a soundscape to help carry us through the visual.

It was always going to be a near-impossible challenge to translate the extremes of the process which Martin sustains into a film, but I feel like I have at least captured the drama and intensity which he brings to his craft. Overall, I hope that it gives the viewer an insight into the craft of one of our great living artists.