Dalibor Šípek

Role

Photographer - Product Designer - Artist

Born

1986, Amsterdam

Follow

Instagram @sipek_crystal ↗

Dalibor Sipek is an artist and designer whose career has spanned a wide range of fields, including photography, hand blown crystal art, and home decor. Born in Amsterdam in 1986, Sipek grew up in an artistic household with parents Bambi Uden and Borek Sipek, who were both esteemed artists. Sipek's passion for photography led him to study at Technicka Univerzita v Liberci, where he earned a degree in Visual Communications, Film and Photography.

After completing his studies, he began his career as a photographer, working on projects for the Sipek family business and developing his own artistic style. Over the years, Sipek has participated in numerous exhibitions around Europe, collaborating with artists in a variety of media including paintings, sculptures, and glasswork. He has also gained a reputation for creating some of the most exclusive awards made of crystal glass, which he designs and produces for various events in the Czech Republic.

In addition to his work as an artist and designer, Sipek is also a philanthropist. During the Covid-19 outbreak, he designed and created a crystal gift that was gifted to 148 different orphanages around the Czech Republic as a way of supporting and recognizing their efforts. Sipek resides in the Czech Republic, where he continues to pursue his passions and create beautiful, innovative artwork.

His talent and dedication to his craft have earned him numerous awards and accolades, and he is sure to continue making a positive impact in the art and design world for years to come.

Dalibor Sipek was invited by esquire magazine to sit on the jury of their annual 'Man of the Year" award ceremony. Dalibor was also asked to design the trophy which was awarded to that year's winners. The article features Dalibor Sipek's experience in the family hand made glass trade, as well as his thoughts behind the design process of that year's trophy. The family tradition lives on through Dalibor's work.

Esquire Man of the Year

Esquire held its "Man of the Year" award for the third time. Nominated are successful men from the Czech Republic from a variety of fields of interests. From doctors to stunt pilots to anthropologists to authors and anything in between, a fine selection of inspiring and motivating life stories. From the many nominated twenty were selected to the final round, and from them two winners became known. One selected by the Esquire readers, and the other by a select group of jury members.

Amongst those selected for the jury was Dalibor Sipek, one of the head designers in the Sipek Crystal glass crew. Besides being a jury member, Dalibor Sipek was also selected to create the trophies for the winners. Since glass works is one of the oldest Czech craftsmanship, it seemed only fitting to create handmade crystal trophies. After a variety of different designs, and different approaches the final design emerged.

During a quick meeting in the Sipek Team glass factory with the editor in chief Jiří Roth, the design passed. Right away the Sipek team started to produce the pieces. Very complex glass techniques with many steps and a heavy weight made for a challenging yet fun creation process. The result...A stunning and unique handmade art piece, causing big smiles on the faces of the winners.

Throughout the ceremony and after party the winners where proudly parading around with their trophies, taking pictures with the other nominees and jury members. At awe and with respect towards this fine Czech craftsmanship, discussions could be heard going around trying to figure out how the piece was created, and that they hoped to win one the following year.

Blízké vzdálenosti, Karlovy Vary 2017

Blízké vzdálenosti, which means "close distances" in English, is an exhibition that brings together two remarkable Czech artists, Pavlína Gardianová and Dalibor Šípek. The exhibition showcases their unique artistic visions that blend seamlessly, despite the contrasting mediums of painting and glasswork. The exhibition was launched with a private opening on September 6th, 2017, in Městská Galerie v Karlových Varech, located in the heart of the renowned spa town.

The exhibit was inspired by the philosophy that no distance can limit the meeting of like-minded individuals, whether in art or in love. This theme is evident in the resonating artworks that the two artists have created. Pavlína Gardianová's figurative paintings feature ethereal and tender depictions of feminine beauty, pain, and love, all expressed with a deep emotional depth. Her warm color palette draws the viewer into the artworks, similar to the effect of beautiful verses or harmonious music.

Meanwhile, Dalibor Šípek's glass creations feature stunningly shaped vases and goblets that exude practicality, wit, and unique design ideas. The exhibit's opening was graced by renowned personalities, including the chief conductor of the Czech Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra, Petr Chromčák. Professor Jaroslav Zvěřina, a socio-cultural anthropologist, archaeologist, and writer, praised Gardianová's art for its empathy and beauty, while admiring Šípek's glass objects for their originality and practicality.

The attendees had the opportunity to toast with the unique glassware designed by Šípek himself. The poetic combination of Gardianová's surrealism and Šípek's glasswork has a soothing effect on the soul and encourages contemplation. The collaboration of Pavlína Gardianová's emotive paintings and Dalibor Šípek's practical and innovative glasswork proves that art knows no bounds and can bring people closer.