From water balloons to mind-bending glass illusions - tell us about your journey as an artist. How did you end up making glass sculptures that trick the eye? 

The idea for the water bag sculptures came to me in grad school when I was experimenting with a new tool, making marks in molten glass. I noticed the marks resembled the wrinkles in a water-filled plastic bag and immediately decided to try replicating the kind of bag you get when taking home a pet goldfish. I’ve been making them ever since, and they continue to challenge me. Something I love about hyperrealistic glasswork is how deceptively simple it looks. The forms are clean and minimal, but they’re incredibly difficult to create. I didn’t grow up knowing much about art or that being an artist was even a possibility. I studied science in college and didn’t take my first glassblowing class until my junior year as an elective. But once I did, I was hooked. I dedicated almost all my free time to getting better at it. After graduation, I had a pivotal apprenticeship with a master craftsman, where I learned advanced techniques. I then spent a year working with glass in New Zealand before deciding to go to grad school. Up until that point, I was mainly focused on refining utilitarian forms and expanding my decorative techniques. Grad school pushed me to approach the material differently—to think critically about my work and its conceptual side. I had to play catch-up, learning about art history and theory while figuring out what I wanted to explore in my own work. That’s when I really started leaning into sculpture and non-functional forms. Perception became a key theme in my work, and it still is. I love making pieces so realistic that they trick the viewer into believing they’re something they’re not. 

Okay, Dylan, be honest—how many people have tried to pick up your glass water balloons thinking they’re real? 

A lot! People are always drawn to them and want to touch them. But please don’t—they’re quite fragile! 

Your sculptures are so hyper-realistic it’s almost unsettling (in the best way). What’s the secret to creating glass that looks like it’s about to drip all over the floor? 

The secret is doing it really well! That’s the hard part. It looks simple, but it requires a lot of technique, skill, and innovation. You can’t create something new just by repeating what you already know—you have to push beyond that. Some of the steps in making my water bag sculptures are actually counterintuitive, so I have to stay open to doing things differently or discovering new approaches to get the result I want.

Collectors love art that sparks conversation. What’s the best reaction you’ve ever had to your work? 

One of my favorites is when people ask, “How do you change the water inside the bag?” It’s always fun to pick one up, flip it upside down, and let them realize the answer for themselves. Beyond that, it’s been incredible to see how the water bags and water balloons resonate with so many different people, across cultures, languages, ages, and backgrounds. You don’t have to be an art collector to appreciate them - they connect with people on a universal level. 

Why do we need a glass water balloon in our lives? Sell us on the magic. 

That’s exactly it - you need it for the magic! They’re so realistic they make people question whether they’re real. When you have one on display, you get to be in on the secret, experiencing that moment of surprise and delight every time someone new sees it for the first time. 

Your work plays with illusion and perception - what do you hope people feel when they realize they’ve been tricked? 

I hope they feel joy and humor, but I also hope it sparks a deeper realization—that things aren’t always what they seem. We all experience the world through our own perspectives, often believing them to be the absolute truth, but if we recognize that everyone brings their own viewpoint to the table, maybe we can be a little more open-minded and compassionate toward one another.

Dylan Martinez’s sculptures are more than just technical feats - they invite curiosity, wonder, and a sense of play. His ability to transform a rigid material into something that appears fluid and weightless is nothing short of extraordinary. Whether you’re an avid collector or someone who simply loves art that sparks conversation, his work is a must-see. Visit Sun Valley Contemporary Gallery to experience the magic of his glass sculptures in person.

VIEW ALL THE PIECES HERE

Every artist has a personal connection to their work. Is there a particular piece or series that holds special significance for you? 

I definitely have personal favorites. Interestingly enough, my favorite paintings are not usually the most popular, although they can be. The Lost Holiday series put my work on the map, so to speak. Then Noir and Close Up were a natural evolution from the Lost Holiday series. I love bringing the past to the present and making it relevant for today. 

As you begin this new chapter with us in Sun Valley, what excites you most about sharing your work with this community? 

I am SO excited to start this new chapter in Sun Valley. Visiting and skiing Sun Valley has been on my bucket list for years. I’m delighted to introduce my paintings to your collectors with some classic winter scenes!

Tracey Harris’ ability to blend nostalgia with contemporary artistry creates an unforgettable visual experience. Her figures, deeply rooted in nature and memory, invite viewers into a world of beauty, depth, and reflection. Whether you’re drawn to her intricate layers or the compelling narratives within each piece, her collection offers something truly special for Sun Valley. 

We invite you to explore her latest works at Sun Valley Contemporary Gallery. Discover a piece that resonates with you and become part of the story she so masterfully tells.

VIEW ALL THE PIECES HERE