Janis/Porto



Janis/Porto

About The Artist

Michael Janis • Mt. Rainier, MD
Glass • CUSTOM COMMISSIONS

Michael Janis & Tony Porto have joined forces in creating a universe halfway between fantasy and reality, exploring the possibilities of illustration, narrative, and sculpture. Our cast glass/mixed media figures evoke a multiplicity of narratives that are at once whimsical and distressing, capturing the complexities and outlandishness of our own existence. The collaborative series are little tokens of love, nods to shared experiences and jokes, meant to make the viewer laugh and cry a bit too.



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Q&A with the Artist

Tell us how your work is made.

The Janis/Porto sculptures exude an obsessive nature, intricately weaving a narrative of passion and meticulous craftsmanship. Our pop-art inspired works captures the fun of the subject with an intense focus on detail. In most works shown on the site, the central glass figures are hand crafted and are made in unique kiln-cast molds. Found objects (action figures, comics, bits and bobs from hardware store are transformed into a harmonious whole.


What makes you passionate about the medium you work with?

Glass provides a unique means of expression. The translucency, transparency, and reflective properties of glass allow for the creation of pieces that convey specific emotions or messages. Some artists choose to work within established glassmaking traditions, while Tony and I push the boundaries to create new and groundbreaking pieces - with a wink and a laugh.

What is something unique about you or your practice?

Nowhere else will one fine cast glass with this use of bright colors, playful imagery, and references to popular culture, where the essence of pop-art is expressed infused with our own distinctive style.