Interview with Matt Bezak

The Giving Tree Gallery: The lost wax process is an intriguing and complicated process…please tell us about it.

Matt Bezak: The "Lost Wax Technique" is all about converting into metal or glass, via a fine wax model. It's a means to transform my model, and also reproduce it again and again, in fair accuracy of fine detail. Metal allows my work to function; the "glass" is the "jewel". Working in fine detail with each step of the process is essential, and a good percentage is out of my control. The more time you give yourself, the better, (as with everything) as it helps the attrition rate and the quality.

GT: How did you discover the "Lost Wax Technique"?

MB: I traded some skills years ago with a friend who was making her own work. I adapted it to what I wanted to create and have not stopped since.

GT: What is your favorite part of the design process?

MB: I like wax working, which is my main interest. The glass is compelling and fun to work with, albeit elusive and even frustrating...it allows for the design to elaborated on and become "full of light." However, the best part is when both the metal and glass work is completed and it all fits. I spend two days putting the metal and glass together and it's then that I finally see it all come together. It reminds me why I spend all this time, because it keeps inspiring me each time. I enjoy the results as do many others.

GT: What is it you like about it as an artistic medium?

MB: The process allows me to create functional glass sculpture, on a small scale.

GT: Do you like working with other mediums?

MB: Working with precious metal is a medium I also find interesting. I enjoy fabricating designs, less of production—which I have been doing for years now.

GT: How do you keep yourself inspired?

MB: Inspiration comes from the desire to put visions into reality…manipulating form and motif (function and sculpture), color and light. The effects are fascinating and this keeps me fascinated.

GT: What is your most favorite piece you've created?

MB: My most favorite is hard to say—each one takes so much attention. I just upgraded my "Wave Horse" piece which I am really happy with, but I would say the "Spirit Wing" pendant. It makes me feel good every time I see it and it seems to really make people happy.

GT: What book have you read that has had the most influence on your life?

MB: Empire of the Summer Moon, by S.C. Gwynne was a book that shifted my perspective of early American history.

GT: Do you cook? What is your most favorite dish?

MB: Yes, I do cook. My most favorite dish is poultry with fresh mint.

GT: Do you listen to music while you work?

MB: Yes, I listen to world music—and various podcasts.

GT: What is the most moving piece of music you've ever heard?

MB: "Winds of Warning" by Adam Plack and Johnny "White Ant Soames" are two of my favorites. They featured Australian didgeridoo with guitar and horns and stuff.

GT: What is your favorite time period of art and why?

MB: Art Nouveau 1920's. The flowing style of the time has a great line of design, natural motifs and materials—not of just silver and gold or gems, but of glass, horn, shell, with silver and gold. It was a very interesting time for art.

GT: Favorite artist past and present?

MB: Rene Lalique and Kevin Coates.

GT: What is the most interesting place you've ever traveled?

MB: I once spent 8 days on a small Schooner north of the Bahamas, swimming with Atlantic spotted dolphins; some of the interactions were spectacular and unforgettable.

GT: Is there anything new and exciting on the horizon for you?

MB: Yes. My work is being presented on exhibit at the "Pole Bijou Galerie" hall, in Baccarat Lorraine, France, July - November 2013. My goal is to travel to go see the exhibit and visit the Lalique museum in nearby, Alsace. Creating larger sculptures is also pulling at me.

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