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About
Extended
Bio
For as long as he can remember, Matthew Olian
has had an interest in two elements that are analogous with glass-
minerals and fire. From an early age, Matt had an interest in gemstones
and crystals that would ultimately lead him to glass. Glass, generally
a man made material, possesses many mystifying qualities that minerals
have such as light and reflections and combinations of transparency and
opacity. In combination with a strong attraction to fire and alchemy,
glass was bound to cross paths in Matt’s future.
A PBS documentary on internationally renowned
glass artist, Dale Chilhuly, convinced Matthew to give glassblowing a
try. The documentary showcased numerous artists manipulating molten hot
glass into different forms without physically touching the medium.
Matthew was in awe and decided he needed to give glass blowing a try.
In 1999, Matthew’s dreams of playing
with molten glass finally materialized. Matt enrolled in an
Introduction Lampworking class with notable glass artist, Gateson
Recko. Before the first day of “class” had even ended,
Matthew was hooked. After a few more hours behind the torch, Matt
wanted to setup his own lampworking studio. Taking his parents advice,
Matthew decided to enroll in an extended study of lampworking at the
prestigious Studio of The Corning Museum of Glass. After relishing
every moment of the 2-week intensive, Matt went home and setup his own
studio.
Since then, Matt’s knowledge of the
medium and his artistic vision has evolved tremendously. After working
with the medium for nearly 8 years, Matthew still feels he is a student
of glass for life and continually takes classes and attends yearly
seminars. Matthew has studied flameworking under many nationally and
internationally renowned artists including Bandhu Scott Dunham, Milon
Townsend, Vittorio Constantini and Cesare Toffolo who have all helped
him to refine his skills and find his own, unique styles.
This site is © Copyright Matthew Olian 2007, All
Rights Reserved.
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