Artist's Statement
I grew up in Charlottesville VA, went to college to learn about materials science and used what I learned to develop what is the focus of this website, my development and application of a different art medium.
Until late 2011 my artistic expression was a primarily a journey between various art mediums all of which were less than satisfying.
At that time, I was working in molten glass but found it difficult to work with for only short periods of time which is all I could manage to find with my busy family schedule. So I started thinking about what material would be easier to work with while still giving some of the creativity of molten glass. Turning to my materials science education, I began to experiment with polymers and eventually found a combination that became the medium shown on this website. The material is a thermoplastic polymer made of common, non-toxic polymers. It can not only become molten under flame or on a hot plate, it also becomes glassy/brittle when frozen. The material when molten sticks to silicone rubber but once cooled is easily removed opening up many casting options. I had one art show at a local coffee shop and I sold various items using this material such as lights, bowls, vases, clocks at a local farmer's market for several years. I continue to find the material an effective creative outlet and I am always open to collaboration.
Matt Bednar, PhD
[email protected]
Until late 2011 my artistic expression was a primarily a journey between various art mediums all of which were less than satisfying.
At that time, I was working in molten glass but found it difficult to work with for only short periods of time which is all I could manage to find with my busy family schedule. So I started thinking about what material would be easier to work with while still giving some of the creativity of molten glass. Turning to my materials science education, I began to experiment with polymers and eventually found a combination that became the medium shown on this website. The material is a thermoplastic polymer made of common, non-toxic polymers. It can not only become molten under flame or on a hot plate, it also becomes glassy/brittle when frozen. The material when molten sticks to silicone rubber but once cooled is easily removed opening up many casting options. I had one art show at a local coffee shop and I sold various items using this material such as lights, bowls, vases, clocks at a local farmer's market for several years. I continue to find the material an effective creative outlet and I am always open to collaboration.
Matt Bednar, PhD
[email protected]
