Mike Hyan: From Civil Engineering to Glass Artistry

Glass artist Mike Hyan’s journey from Zambia to Southern Africa is a testament to following one’s passion. His academic career began in Civil Engineering, only to later find his calling in Interior Design. He quickly made his mark with projects for Microsoft South Africa, Goldfields, and the Singapore Embassy. However, his artistic path truly began in 2004 when he enrolled at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) to study Fine Arts. 

At TUT, Mike discovered a love for glass and sculpture, leading him to graduate cum laude in 2007. He credits the university for providing a strong foundation. “TUT is the only university in sub-Saharan Africa that teaches glass, and I stumbled upon that by chance, but the faculty and mentors were truly amazing,” says Mike. His artistic skills were further sharpened during a semester abroad at Kalmar University in Sweden. 

In 2014, Mike cofounded Smelt Glass Studio, a space dedicated to nurturing young glass artists. His engineering and interior design backgrounds complement his work in glass and sculpture, allowing him to execute large-scale installations across the globe, including in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia. 

Beyond his artistic accomplishments, Mike is a vocal advocate for social justice. His works address sensitive topics such as child abuse, war, and prejudice. Through Smelt Glass, he mentors students, helping them develop their skills and gain international exposure. "Workshops with international glass studios would greatly benefit our students. Young people need to see international work, not to copy but to improve their own skills," he emphasizes. 

Mike’s inspiring journey showcases how diverse skills can come together to create a unique artistic expression while making a meaningful impact in both the art world and society.