Born and raised in Lancaster, PA, Matthew lived in Japan for 18 years, after graduating from Penn State. It was in Japan that art became more prominent in his life. During his youth he was exposed to the arts through his grandfatherʼs pottery, his father's woodworking, his motherʼs graphic arts and his own eager interest. In Japan he continued with pottery, studied Japanese calligraphy, began photography and woodworking as well as taiko (Japanese drumming). All of these contributed to the development of his current creations, combining clay, metal and wood.
Fire & Clay
“My interest in pottery began when I was young; watching my grandfather at the potter's wheel. When I moved to Japan I had the good fortune of studying the craft with a Japanese master potter. My time in Japan greatly influences all my works.”
Fire & Steel
"Taken by the art of blacksmithing and mentored by fellow art club member Jim Hovanec, I have put together my own forge; The Grindstone Dragon Forge."
Fire & Clay
“My interest in pottery began when I was young; watching my grandfather at the potter's wheel. When I moved to Japan I had the good fortune of studying the craft with a Japanese master potter. My time in Japan greatly influences all my works.”
Fire & Steel
"Taken by the art of blacksmithing and mentored by fellow art club member Jim Hovanec, I have put together my own forge; The Grindstone Dragon Forge."