The Fusion of Art and Space

In the realm of the visual arts, the interplay between artwork and its environment crafts a silent yet profound dialogue. At Karo Studios, this conversation is a symphony of light, shadow, and form, where each piece is not just an entity but an experience, transforming spaces into realms of emotive expression.

The Alchemy of Art and Architecture

Every curve every hue within a Karo Studios creation is a deliberate stroke in an intimate dance with its surroundings. Karo does not envision a piece in isolation; he conceives it as a part of a more extensive architectural ballet. This alchemy of art and architecture is a thoughtful process, ensuring that when a piece finds its home, it belongs - it resonates with the walls, converses with the light, and whispers to the shadows.

The Dynamics of Light

Light is the invisible paintbrush that Karo Studios wields with masterful precision. Our pieces morph and evolve as the sun arcs across the sky, offering a different spectacle with each passing hour. The interplay of light and glass, metal, or canvas becomes a dynamic visual feast. This living art breathes with the day.

The Poetry of Shadows

Shadows, often overlooked, are the silent verses of our art's poetry. They are the soft, subtle imprints our pieces leave on their environment, an integral part of the artwork's essence. At Karo Studios, we design with an acute awareness of these gentle giants, understanding that our art truly comes alive between light and dark.

Transformative Spaces

The transformation of space is a testament to the power of Karo Studios' pieces. We do not merely decorate; we metamorphose environments into immersive experiences. A lobby becomes a sanctuary, an office becomes a bastion of inspiration, and a home evolves into a gallery of personal expression.

The fusion of art and space is a philosophy deeply ingrained in the heart of Karo Studios. Our pieces are not just seen; they are felt, they participate in the essence of a room, they become the room. This is the magic we strive to create - where our art does not disrupt but harmonizes, bringing balance, beauty, and a profound sense of belonging to every space it graces.

The Miami Penthouse: Where Luxury and Art Meet

Miami, a coastal metropolis, beaches, some of the most unique architecture in the world, art on every wall, and Cuban food that will make you want to pack up a UHaul and move in after only one bite. Miami is also home to some of the world's greatest homes, apartments, and penthouses. There is a certain undeniable aesthetic to Miami penthouses, and it all starts with the art on display.

We’ll get to the art in a second, but first let’s talk about these stunning condos. You know the ones, with high ceilings, open spaces, white walls, big windows, and fine details. Oh and of course the ocean views from high above the clouds. With an established aesthetic, the difference maker to create a unique living space comes from the interior design. More and more interior designers are trending towards making art the center piece for the home decor ideas.

How do these sprawling Miami penthouses become the stunning luxury homes they are? Interior design of course! Every great interior designer will tell you that the best way to start is to pick a category for your living space and design from there. When it comes to a massive space like a luxury Miami penthouse, many start with a theme or a color. Others start with a centerpiece like a sculpture or abstract artwork.

Here at Karo Studios, we’ve been making collectors houses feel like homes with our signature glass and metal wall sculptures for over a decade. Our now iconic “Glass Grids” series has been taking center stage in luxury Miami homes and penthouses since we opened our studio doors.

In a city like Miami where the heat is always on, temperature can also play a big part in designing your dream luxury penthouse. Having a cool and refreshing artwork on display can help alleviate some of that humid Miami weather. That’s where an iconic Karo Studios glass and wall sculpture - ARCTIC comes in. Counteract those warm South Beach winds, with the cool and crisp colors of ARCTIC.

ARCTIC - Glass and Metal Wall Sculpture by Karo Studios

How about bringing the feeling of water into your home so you can have an ocean view out the window and inside? COAST 2 COAST is the perfect metal and glass sculpture to highlight the importance of the ocean in Miami. Let the light bounce across the glass tiles, or move alongside this glass and metal wall sculpture and you will feel the undulation of the sea from coast to coast.

COAST 2 COAST - Glass and Metal Wall Sculpture by Karo Studios

Maybe the arctic isn’t the exact cool and crisp experience you’re looking to bring into your home? Karo Studios Glass Grids collection, features an exceptional glass and metal wall sculpture. Formed from a direct encounter with the Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps - GLACIAL brings a unique sense of cool and crisp blues, with verticality to match the unrivaled peaks of the most-photographed mountain in the world.

GLACIAL - Glass and Metal Wall Sculpture by Karo Studios

A space that often gets neglected when interiors are getting designed is the bathroom. Imagine getting into the bathtub with your glass of wine, maybe a good book, and the perfect amount of bubbles. As you lean your head back and relax, you realize that you're in the most boring room in the world. An all white bathroom. Let’s awaken this bath(room), with an abstract wall sculpture that will keep you relaxed, and inspired: CORAL by Karo Studios

CORAL - Glass and Metal Wall Sculpture by Karo Studios

We talked about themes and colors earlier, let’s explore creating a theme through color. Our metal glass grids with an accent color can create a unique experience in any space, but can shine in a luxury penthouse. Especially in a city well known for its art scene like Miami. Enjoy the pops of color in Playtime, Four Seasons, Geodesic, and Elevate. Art Basel happens once a year, but these iconic glass grids will greet you in your home each day. Each of these glass and metal abstract wall sculptures draw your attention in and reveal a new experience with every viewing.

Miami is home to hundreds and thousands of luxury penthouses, and it’s also home to dozens of Karo Studios glass and metal wall sculptures from Glass Grids to Accent Pieces to the Photo Series. Karo Studios is proud to be the center of our collectors homes or a part of their art collection. Whether you’re looking to upgrade the decor of your home or you're moving into a new luxury home, Karo Studios has the right glass and metal wall sculpture for you. Contact us today to find the right art for your penthouse, home, business, or collection.

Travel in the Age of Travel Restrictions

2020 has been a unique year. For someone that loves to travel, it has been a truly interesting experience. I travel several times a year and my travels are where I find inspiration for my wall sculptures. Each trip I take revitalizes my view of the world, shifts my perspectives, and stimulates my art practice. I wanted to highlight a few of Karo Studios Glass and Metal wall sculptures that were directly inspired by my travels. In a time when travel is limited, I hope these wall sculptures inspire and act as a portal for the trips you want to take and something is sparked inside you. Allow each of the glass and metal wall sculptures to transport you to the places you want to go.

Sedona / Arizona

SEDONA - Glass and Metal Wall Sculpture by Karo Studios

Sedona is famous for its Red RockS. Underneath it all is a heart. The heart of the land. Creating what are referred to as Vortex sites that are said to heal people. Sedona, was inspired by the land and it’s fabled history. The intertwined shades of red and orange reflect on Sedona, Arizona’s limitless landscape and heartbeat. Whether you’ve driven through the Southwest or taken a trip to the Grand Canyon, you’ve experienced the reds that can’t be replicated. Sedona is my homage to the beauty and power of the Red Rocks of Sedona, Arizona.

Coast 2 Coast / Hawaii & The Maldives

COAST 2 COAST - Glass and Metal Wall Sculpture by Karo Studios

Creating Coast 2 Cost was the combination of two trips. Two separate adventures - one to the Maldives and one to Hawaii. As I stood at the waterfront in Hawaii I was mesmerized by the ocean waves, unsurprisingly this same feeling washed over me as I stood on the beach of the Maldives. These moments both connected into one by the water. Two coasts connected by the vast expanse of water. Different oceans, different hemispheres, different countries - the same feeling.

The sway of the sea has always fascinated me. Shallow water, turns deep, back to shallow, and on and on. Ultimately, wherever you are in the world, you’re connected to everyone, albeit with a little bit of open water in the way. The waves, the depth, the color, the mysteries, all of these come together in the undulating composition of “Coast 2 Coast”. Let the light bounce across the glass tiles, or move alongside this glass and metal wall sculpture and you will feel the undulation of the sea from coast to coast.

Next time you’re by the water, I hope you thinking about the true interconnectedness of our worlds water. It can be a connective tissue during these unprecedented times.

Cascade / Victoria Falls

CASCADE - Glass and Metal Wall Sculpture by Karo Studios

Inspired by the world renowned Victoria Falls in Zambia, “Cascade” is a piece that was born out of pure awe. As it’s happened many times before, I was standing in front of nature in its full power, full beauty. Victoria Falls is the world’s largest waterfall, and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Cascade is a glass and metal wall sculpture that pays homage to the seemingly endless falling water of Victoria Falls. When travel opens back up I highly encourage a trip to Victoria Falls - it’s a true wonder.

Waldorf / Los Angeles

WALDORF - Glass and Metal Wall Sculpture by Karo Studios

I live in Los Angeles so this isn’t technically a trip for me, but it does represent one of my favorite parts of travel - the luxury. And there is no better representation of that across the world than the Waldorf Astoria. A luxury hotel icon. Installing this commissioned wall sculpture was like a homecoming for me and my art. How many people have traveled to Los Angeles and stayed at the Waldorf Astoria. To me it ties the biggest themes of Karo Studios together: Art, Luxury, Travel, Design, and Architecture…

One of the highlights of my career was being commissioned by the Waldorf Astoria, Beverly Hills. A prestigious institution in Los Angeles and across the globe, the Waldorf Astoria presented a unique and welcomed opportunity to create something truly special. It was an honor to bring the Karo Studios signature glass and metal wall sculpture to the Waldorf Astoria, Beverly Hills. I hope each visitor to the hotel gets to experience my artwork, and it makes their already special stay, a little more memorable.

“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.”

— Anonymous

The Naked Grids: Minimalism, Maximized and Designed

The Naked Grids Series explores composition through the play of positive and negative space. Combining a minimalist style and approach with architectural inspiration - each Naked Grid explores a different element of positive and negative space.

Architecture and Karo Studios

From the start of Karo Studios, the influence of architecture has been present in each one of our works. Nowhere though, has this been as clear as the Naked Grids series. Viewing the series as a whole, you experience a breadth of clean lines that allow for the exploration of light and shadow between them. Individually, each work in the Naked Grids series holds a different story - highlighting core aspects of design and visual exploration.

Minimalism and Design

Many jump to conclusions when it comes to minimalism. Some assume the simplicity presented should be used as a way to disregard the entire artistic expression. True artists, designers, craftsmen, and creatives, know that this can be a key to full expression of mastery. Each piece may seem simple, but it creates a powerful and lasting effect. Whether it holds the centerpiece of a room or subtly ties the room together, where the Naked Grids may seem light, they are strong anchors to any room. A true object of design and design object - simultaneously.

Positives and Negatives

A closer examination of any of the Naked Grids reveals an intricate dance between positive and negative space. Let’s take a look at at AXIAL:

AXIAL

Combining glass and metal, the axial lines create intersections of intrigue. This is amplified by the way light and shadow interact with and within the work. The positive and negative space combined with the light and shadow create a dynamic viewing experience. The simplicity allows for a complexity of experience. 

This effect can be further seen in TRIANGULATION:

TRIANGULATION

Take a look at the work. Do you see it as parts? Parts and a whole? A whole? The definition of triangulation is the tracing and measurement of a network of triangles to determine the distances and relative positions of each triangle in the network. Triangulation is a glass and metal wall sculpture that allows the viewer to create their own survey. I want the viewer to play with the 3d wall sculpture. Let their mind wander, and come back with inspiration. Triangulation is both a study and a meditation. As an accent piece it can tie together a space, or it can be presented on it’s on wall as a complete work.

Continued Exploration

A pair of two works are a key highlight of the metal only side of the Naked Grids series, LINEAR I (available in gold and black) and LINEAR II.

We pride ourselves in our originality and LINEAR is a series within a series that we will continue to explore as it’s popularity continues to grow. LINEAR started as an exercise in mark making through the use of metal. Like many artists, Karo is constantly making marks, whether in his sketchbooks or in his studio (or the lives of designers and collectors). How does an artist that isn’t traditionally recognized for mark making like an abstract painter create the same feeling using metal? Design and simplicity. Each line of the LINEAR sub-series is carefully and thoughtfully connected together to create a stunning artwork that has become a truly iconic display in designer, modern, and contemporary homes across the world.

We’re glad to present the Naked Grid series to you as a new avenue of exploration from Karo Studios glass and metal wall sculptures. We hope you’re inspired by the designs, and we look forward to working with you to find the perfect Naked Grid to add to your home, office or collection.

Foundations: Glass

Did you know glass isn’t technically or scientifically considered a solid? It’s an in between a liquid and a solid, called an amorphous solid. Did you know glass is made from sand? Liquid sand to be exact. Or how about that when glass cracks, the cracks move at 3000 miles per hour. I wanted to share a short history of glass, as it’s been the foundation of Karo Studios success and iconic artworks produced for collectors all over the world. Each Glass Grid, Accent Piece, or Naked Grid, that grace the walls of galleries, living rooms, offices, and hotel lobbies contains the magical element of glass.

The history of glass and glass making dates back to at least 3,600 BCE in the “The Cradle of Civilization,” ancient Mesopotamia. Starting with beads that might have been made accidentally, these beads played a crucial part not only in decoration but trade, finance, inventory and many fabrics of modern civilization. Outside of Mesopotamia, ancient glass has been found all over the world from the Roman Empire to India to China to England. Throughout human history glass was used as a utility, an art, and a vital trade commodity. One of the oldest, and the most valuable pieces of glass comes from Ancient Rome, called the Portland Vase. 

The Portland Vase (photo credit: Jastrow)

Dated between AD and AD 25, it has served as great inspiration for generations of glass and porcelain makers. The vase is covered in historical and mythological scenes, and many scholars have concluded the scenes on the vase aren’t from just on set of iconography. Moving forward in history, these same themes can be found replicated across churches, and religious sites all over the globe. The same process to create the colorful glass or these iconoclastic images coloring the insides of churches is used today to create glass artworks in the Karo Studios shop.

Chartres Cathédrale (Photo credit: Eusebius (Guillaume Piolle)

Now, of course, this wouldn’t be a complete examination of glass without getting into how glass is made. In short, glass is made from applying immense heat to sand. There is of course a lot more to it, but words can’t capture the beauty of glass making. Take this video of Glass Marbles being made:

Right? To get a sense of what goes into a Karo Studios glass wall sculpture this video on Opalescent glass is created:

Whether it’s produced in an artisanal setting or an industrial factory, each piece of glass is truly unique. From the color process, to the way the elements dance together to create swirls and shapes within the glass. This is one of the greatest joys of creating with this unique medium, and each work of Karo Studios glass art wall sculptures carries the history of glass with it.

Today, we forgot how much glass is all around us from windows to our iPhone screens (although everyone remembers their iPhones are mostly glass when they crack). Outside of the ordinary everyday objects though, glass plays a key part in many of our memories. Maybe it’s the abundance of glass in our world or that it is so clear we don’t notice it. Many of us might have fond memories of the smell of our mother’s or grandmother’s perfume. The most important women in our lives, sitting at their makeup table, spraying perfume to cast their signature scent. What about the ornate bottles that hold the sweet scented liquids? Or perhaps you grew up in a household that had ornate “crystal,” vases and serving plates. Well, those are glass too, a special decorative type of glass called Bohemian glass. Others, might have traveled or received a gift from someone who traveled to Italy or more specifically to Venice - the home of ultra-luxury Murano glass. For a large handful of us, our earliest connections to glass are the massive and ornate stained glass windows at church. Or for collectors of Karo Studios glass art sculptures, the memory might be the day your Glass Grid was installed in your home.

Introducing The Block Series

Karo Studios is proud to announce the new Block Series, a unique experience for collectors unlike any art in the world today. Continuing Karo Studios tradition of exploring color, flow, and the expansive possibilities of glass, the Block Series adds a new element of creation by bringing collectors into the layout process.

Each tile of glass is already unique and by bringing the collectors into the layout process, each composition becomes completely bespoke and a true one of a kind creation. Beyond the one of a kind glass art composition, the intimate bond created between the artist and the collector during the laying out adds a new level of connection. Whether you have a vision in mind or work closely with Karo and the Karo Studios team, your vision will come to life in a truly special experience.

Every composition in the Block Series, is made up of custom crafted and cut glass art tiles that come together to form a larger than life visual experience. Combining the exploration of color in every piece with the play of space allows the Block Series to have limitless configurations and shape.

Water from the Block Series

Water, one of the first releases in this new series is a great example of this. With two versions available - one in square tiles, and the other in hexagons - the glass art Block Series delivers a truly extensive experience for Karo Studios and collectors. The cool and crisp shades of blue can create a calming and refreshing effect anywhere these glass wall art sculptures are displayed.

Water (HEX) from the Block Series

On the other end of elemental spectrum, the Block Series continues Karo Studios exploration through glass art with shades of brown in the stunning Earth. Drawing inspiration from the planet we all call home, Earth utilizes the negative space between tiles to create a contrast between the solidity of the Earth and the spaces between. Brown can be a muted color in most artworks, but through Karo Studios unique 3D glass art sculptures it pops and brings a new level of ambiance anywhere it is displayed.

Earth from the Block Series

Explore the entire Block Series, and let your imagination take you to new creations, compositions, and experiences. I look forward to working closely with you to bring this modular glass art work to life! With new releases coming to the series over the next few months, there will surely be something for every collection, home, office, or event.

The Importance of Arts Education in Children's Development

Years of scientific research have shown that creative activities are some of the most fundamental building blocks of a child’s development. Through the exposure to arts and music, children are taught new skills that can attribute to their success as they grow and mature. So how can these be the programs affected the most due to budget cuts in our educational system? The problem is that the focus has now shifted more towards common core subjects of reading and math and the arts has began to be considered as a luxury.

To create a visual sensation, there must be a strong connection between one’s mind, hands and eyes. Learning how to hold a paintbrush and navigating through a piece of paper with a crayon help develop these fine motor skills in children at a young age. Drawing and sculpting also enhance the child’s spatial recognition skills. Children take in visual information far before they can read and speak, and drawing can be a huge advocate in that style of communication.

Research also shows that exposure to the arts strengthens problem-solving and creative thinking skills. As you create, you are forced to make decision on composition, color, texture and many others. These subtle queues strengthen the brains ability to make decisions, which can then apply to other aspects of life. All of these benefits also contribute to the overall academic success of the child.

Even with all of this proven research, how can we deprive children of a curriculum that is so essential to their development? Unfortunately, the ones that are affected the most are those in low income neighborhoods, and they are perhaps the ones that need it even more. The common core subjects need to be given heavier importance, however we cannot eliminate the arts due to the fact that there is not enough funding. True innovation comes from creative thinking without boundaries, so how can we as a society stand around and watch as these programs become scarcer in our educational system?  

The Architecture of Problem Solving

When most people think of an architect, they just think of someone who designs homes and other types of structures. As this may be true, architecture is so much more than just a pretty aesthetic presentation. It encompasses, yet far surpasses simple elements of design as it factors in human behavior, economics, geography and many other crucial challenges. All of these elements combine to create a functional form.

I like to think of architecture as a problem solving tool. When a client approaches you and presents you with a site to design on, they are ultimately presenting you with a set of challenges that you as an architect need to overcome. The site for instance requires a certain amount of occupancy, needs to meet a specific budget, has to work with the surrounding environment, and has to be completed by a set date. These, along with many other criteria are all things that the architect needs to think about simultaneously.

The many years of schooling and practical experience ultimately trains the architect’s brain to be able to process all of this data and dissect it into much smaller and easily digestible fragments.  Without this ability, it will be sheer chaos as there are way too many factors to keep track of. As the experience of the architect grows, so does his ability to be manage all of these factors in a somewhat auto-pilot fashion. He no longer is waiting for one thing to complete in order to move onto the next, and can start multitasking different projects into his daily workflow.

This ability to dissect a problem into smaller fragments allows the architect to come up with a plan of action. If at any point the architect chooses to abandon their career for something else, these skills are essential and can easily carry over.  The ability to systematically break down large scale problems into smaller fragments is an extremely valuable skill desirable in any industry. So next time there is a large problem you need to overcome, make sure you have an architect as a friend.

The Enhancement of Creativity Thanks to Traveling Abroad

My addiction to travel can be traced back to the year I lived abroad during college, studying architecture in Florence, Italy. It was neither a planned experience nor part of an elaborate master plan. It was more about a friend encouraging me to join him on what turned out to be a wild adventure, and arguably one of the best years of my life. The year before, I was studying the relevance of these historic buildings in my architectural history courses, and here I was now inside them, breathing the same air as their creators. 

My new apartment was a relic overlooking the cathedral of Florence where centuries before, Brunaleschi had created the use of perspective in drawings while designing its breath taking dome. Two buildings down was the house where Machiavelli wrote The Prince. Every day, I felt like I was living in a dream, as I wondered around the streets trying to take everything in, making the everyday tourists look like native Florentines. I spent that year not only exploring Florence but pretty much all of Europe.  This experience opened my eyes to the world forever.

As I sit down to design a new piece, I tap into these neural pathways that were created during my overwhelming exposure to arts and culture while abroad. Even though I did not feel anything mentally happening at the time, the residue of the experience has carried with me until today. However, physically transporting yourself from one location to another will not enhance anything. It is the submersion of oneself within the day to day lives of the locals that will allow you to see things differently. This type of travel is a commitment that cannot be taken lightly, however, if executed properly, moments of creative joy can be the reward.

View of the Florence Duomo from Piazza Michelangelo