Franc Grom

The Olympic games are in full force and I'm having a difficult time watching all the games or keeping track of the medal count since I don't have access to a television or internet most of the day. Just to keep everyone updated, as of right now USA is tied with China with 17 metals each. But China has won more gold metals including swimming, shooting, and surprisingly weightlighting. At the beginning of the games, USA was a strong contender and was the team to beat. This has led to some suspicion of doping or use of drugs and substances. But the allegations were denied by China. This was reminiscent of the age controversy of Chinese gymnasts back in the Beijing games. Oh can't forget about Ukraine getting knocked off by Japan in Men's Gymnastics. I love these games.
Well getting back to the visual arts, I recently come upon the amazing work of Franc Grom. He's not your typical "artist." He's a Slovenian craftsman to be exact. What he does, the medium he uses, and the manner he works is inspiring and simply beautiful. He uses an electric drill to hand-drill tiny holes in an eggshell, usually 2-3500 holes. These intricate patterns he creates is lace-like and extremely delicate. Some of these are so intricate, it can take him anywhere from one week to one month to complete.

photo via Hemmy

Grom draws inspiration from Slovenian designs, more specifically drapank. This is where one scratches onto a colored boiled egg to reveal the the whites underneath creating an image or pattern.

photo via Hemmy

From what I've gathered, it seems Grom is the only craftsman working the way he does on eggshells. This delicate process required a soft grip, a ton of patience, and a creative mind. What he does is incredible. The ornate patterns he creates and the balance and dynamics of the eggshell is stunning.

photo via Design Rulz

The illumination and the way light passes through it is striking. It creates a glow that is so surreal, it's heavenly just to look at. The result of all the time and patience put into a single egg is rewarded with an exquisite piece of work.

photo via Rose Petals From Heaven

The egg itself is already fragile. Imagine drilling thousands of tiny fine holes in one. I personally would not have the patience or delicate touch to do so. It would surely crumble with just a single grip, shaky hands don't help the matter either. Grom, who I would like to say is 72 years old, is a master at what he does. Overall he has created more than 300 eggshell masterpieces. Each unique and breathtaking all on their own. The amount of work and patience he puts into a single eggshell is just mind-blowing. It's stuff like this that makes me inspired and makes me feel like I need to be more productive with my time. Anything can be accomplished. You just have to put your mind, time, and effort into everything you do and you will be rewarded for all your hard work!