Biography

David Licata’s work ranges from cascading glass wall sculptures to wearable chain maille. A devoted naturalist, he is inspired by hiking and the outdoors. The artist works with notions of the fragility, strength, vanity, and protection by using traditional metalsmithing techniques in the intricate torch-worked glass. David Licata is a graduate of Cranbrook Academy of Art where he earned his MFA in Metalsmithing and of SUNY New Paltz where he earned his BFA in Sculpture and BS in Art Education. Licata’s artwork has been exhibited at SOFA (The Sculpture Objects Functional Art and Design fair) NY, SOFA Chicago, Glass Weekend, Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, Millville, NJ, Talente Internationale Handwerksmesse, Munich Germany and The Glass Art Society Conference and Fashion Show in Murano, Italy. The artist exhibits and has executed numerous site-specific commissions with Kenise Barnes Fine Art.

Artist Statement

Inspired by hikes throughout the Hudson Valley, my body of work is made up of sculptural landscapes and moments frozen in time. I am inspired by the fragility and complexity that lies all around us in nature - from lichen on a mountainside to moss on a river rock in a nearby stream. By using traditional metalsmithing techniques while working with glass, I hope to create conversations about strength, vanity and protection. My glass chain elements are meticulously connected link by link using a small hand torch and various tools. As settings in nature appear to change color and mood throughout each day and season, my glass chain is deeply affected by light as the shadows, tones and colors come to life throughout the day.