Photo By John Hughel | George Smolcic, a third generation engraver and master craftsman, displays a new glass...... read more read more
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PORTLAND, Oregon – George Smolcic, realized what he wanted to do with his life from a young age growing up in Zagreb, Croatia. Working in his father’s workshop at age 12, the fascination of creating one of kind engravings and art pieces captivated his devotion to the family’s craft.
Now more than 65 years later, Smolcic took the time to donate his latest, and probably his final, handcrafted pieces to the Oregon Air National Guard Airmen of the 123rd Fighter Squadron, 142nd Fighter Wing. At age 78, the physical demands needed for such precise work, added with other health issues, are cause to finally conclude and reflect on a remarkable career.
“My family started (this work) in 1896, and as a third generation craftsman, I also studied under several German masters, learning how to work in metals, glass or other various materials to develop my skills.”
Smolcic credits the ability to work for so many years at such a high level to the joy and passion it still brings him. The years of apprenticing, both with his father and other master craftsmen, ingrained a persistency that still drives his perfectionism.
“The pieces I have created for my military friends are some of my favorite,” Smolcic elaborated. “It began working with (U.S. Navy) Blue Angles and evolved to creating glass work for the (U.S. Air Force) Thunderbirds, and over many-many years, here for the 142nd.”
The scope and range of his work goes beyond members of the aviation community, all the way to the residency of those who called 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington D.C. their home.
“I created a 5-panel piece that depicted President George H.W. Bush’s career in the Navy during World War II,” Smolcic described. “One panel showed his rescue after being shot down, to other historical milestones he achieved.”
The thank you call almost didn’t transpire, Smolcic recalled, telling the story in vivid detail, “I had my wife answer this 6:00 a.m. call from some number I have never seen,” he laughed. “She told me I better take THIS call, … it’s from the President of the United States!”
Other U.S. Presidents, to include Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton, also have artwork created by Smolcic but for the last 32 years he has been a frequent guest of the Air Base, creating artwork and making friends along the way.
“George [Smolcic] is as much a ‘Redhawk’ as those that wear the uniform,” said Col. (ret.) Michael Bieniewicz, following the artwork presentation given to the command post. “His work is visible on a daily basis around the operations building or around the base and each is unique.”
With the assistance of Master Sgt. Robert Butler, Smolcic carefully opened the brown wrapped package before those attending his presentation, pausing to describe how he designed and created his latest piece.
“This was a challenge because I wanted to bring three different elements into one overall design,” Smolcic said.
The etched glass design is based on a compilation of images representing the ‘Ever Vigilant’ motto of a United States Air Force command post, and the mission that the 142nd Fighter Wing undertakes for North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). The clock-like design also presents the “Alert, Direct and Report,” at the top with an American eagle in the center.
“I almost gave up a couple of times but then I finally pushed to get it done because I know how much everyone wanted to see the final piece,” said Smolcic.
After the formal presentation, Smolcic elaborated on his fascination with his artwork and U.S. Military aircraft in general.
“Working with the Blue Angels allowed me to work with the Thunderbirds, and I’ve lived here (in Portland) since 1967, so I eventually made friends with many people (with 142nd Fighter Wing) who work here too.”
Like many of his other masterpieces, the new command post glass logo will be on display in the main operations area to visitors for years to come. It is a testament to both his passion in his craft as well as for the men and women ardently supporting the NORAD mission in the Pacific Northwest.
| Date Taken: | 05.10.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 05.10.2018 15:42 |
| Story ID: | 276598 |
| Location: | PORTLAND , OREGON, US |
| Web Views: | 288 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Artist bestows distinct artwork to 123rd Fighter Squadron, by John Hughel, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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