opalescent & bubble decor, 5 1/2", signed & dated 1974...Dabanian served in the US Air Force and attended Wayne State University, where he was a science major and received an engineering degree in 1948 with a minor in fine arts. He was a mathematical genius and held several engineering patents. Karnig was also a partner in the Poultry Glass Works, the first independent studio in Detroit.During the early 1960s, the introduction of small furnaces inspired the studio glass movement because the artists who designed glass art could then create their own work. Karnig’s fascination with design and invention led him to the Toledo Museum of Art, where he attended glassblowing workshops taught by director Dominic Labino. After that, he maintained the longest-operating studio producing silverveiled glass in Michigan. His pieces are known for their “floating veils,” layers of reflective surfaces that intertwine and form a series of dancing patterns that appear suspended inside the glass.Glass master Karnig Dabanian sold art glass at the Ann Arbor Art Fairs in the prestigious juried section. This artistry has been featured in many other exhibitions, including the University of Michigan-Dearborn Mardigan Library Glass Month Project. His art creations reflect an appreciation of science, art and modern ideas and are found in many private, public and corporate collections.Karnig Dabanian was one of the art glass pioneers. While Harvey Littleton’s work is exceptional, he is not the only founding father of the art glass movement with deep ties to Michigan.