Cody
Nicely
FOR RELEASE IMMEDIATELY
February 21, 2012
Cody Nicely wins coveted Niche Award
(Philadelphia, PA) – American crafts’ top award has been won by glass artist Cody Nicely.
Nicely was presented his award at the recent Buyers Market of American Craft in
Philadelphia. The submitted piece features surrealistic goblets, with mesostompo cups
lofted by twisting squid forms. Flowing striations of sea foam green and whites emulates the
sea creature from which the inspiration originated. Nicely incorporates the flow, shape and
color from aquatic life in many of his hand blown, hot sculpted glass art. He works out of the
Glass Axis studio in Columbus, Ohio.
The annual award, created by The Rosen Group, publisher of American Style magazine in
1989, recognizes the top artists in North American craft. Nicely was the juried winner from
more than 3300 submissions, 190 finalists and 38 professional winners. Nicely was
recognized as the best in home furnishings – goblet division, by the jurists. In 2011, Nicely
was a finalist in the Blown Glass category for his abstract piece “Referee & Pilot”
An art major at Wittenberg University, Nicely has taken the interest in marine biology and
married it with his passion in glass art. Initially exposed to the medium in Murano (Venice),
Italy as a young teenager, Nicely’s distinctive style utilizes glass blowing fundamentals and
raw creativity to create fine art with remarkable power. His work is now included in
collections throughout the United States.
“I am privileged to be considered and recognized with some of the finest artists in North
America and take inspiration from this experience and will continue to grow while stretching
the limits of my creativity, “ Nicely stated when receiving the award. “It is an honor for me,
and I am humbled to be considered among the past recipients.” The Niche award is highly
regarded and coveted by artists nationwide.
About Cody Nicely - Cody Nicely’s fascination with glass began with a teenage visit to the
glassblowing Mecca of Murano, Italy. The master placed a pair of tweezers in his hands and
guided him in his first creation. The interaction between form and substance captured
Cody’s imagination and sparked a passion. That passion was ignited again during college.
During this early period, exposure and involvement with accomplished glass artists allowed
Cody’s skills to develop exponentially.
The movement and color of marine life fascinates Cody and provides the inspiration for his
work. Whether abstract or realistic, Cody starts with the shape and motion of his subject
and interprets its beauty into the molten glass; adding color or deep carving if the subject
demands. Each unique piece is an interpretation of how nature acts and reacts to its
environment.
Today, Cody’s work is featured in galleries nationwide and his goal is to allow his work to
expand and multiply so others may enjoy his interpretation of aquatic life. Each piece is
hand blown, hot sculpted and one of a kind. No two sculptures will ever be the same.
Cody continually challenges his skills when creating new and unique interpretations of sea
forms. However, he does not limit himself to just aquatic life and is always adding other
forms to his repertoire, hoping to never stop evolving. Glass blowing is Cody’s passion.
About the Niche Award - Sponsored by NICHE magazine, the NICHE Awards program
began in 1989 to celebrate excellence and innovation in American and Canadian fine craft.
Artists are recognized in professional and student divisions. For more information about the
NICHE Awards or NICHE Magazine please contact Erin Hartz at erinh@rosengrp.com or
call at 410-889-2933, ext.206.
For further information or an interview contact Cody Nicely directly 865.385.9634, or email
him at cody@codynicely.com. Visit his web site www.codynicely.com to view many of his
works.
cody@codynicely.com
1436 Bayshore Dr. 3B
Columbus, Ohio 43204
865.385.9634
www.codynicely.com
Cody Nicely accepting Niche award
from Wendy Rosen, founder and
publisher of Rosen Group