Niko Cray got his start on the torch in 2010 at just 18 years old. It was then that he went straight down the rabbit hole, beginning what has become an impressive career. His dedication to sculptural work and shaping absolutely shines. While maintaining a high level of technical skill in complex prep across various aesthetics, he always makes his art stand out.
Collaboration is a major piece of the puzzle for his work. Shown here are a few examples of masterpieces he made with Salt, Cowboy and his father, Tony Cray. These pieces highlight the fusion of their individual styles. This solo functioning fountain sculpture stands nearly 2 feet tall. This work of art took first place at the Midwest Meltdown!
His studio is in an undisclosed location just outside of St. Louis, where Niko and the Cray family slay the outdoors when he’s not blowing glass — building trails and ripping them on dirt bikes or getting into the backcountry for some knee-deep pow. The family that rides together stays together. Right now he has a few larger-scale projects in the works and will be traveling to the Tacoma Museum of Glass later this month for the Joint Venture show as a demo artist. If you have a chance, check out the museum’s annual event on April 19 and 20th.
