Residency Artist - Visual Arts

Matthew J. Paskiet

7166 Front St.
P.O. Box 521
Holland, OH  43528
Phone: (419) 866-6288
Fax: (419) 868-7478
Email: firenation@sbcglobal.net
Website: www.firenation.com

I am an artist working in Glass. My goal is to share my passion for this medium with others, by showing them how to make their own glass projects. I'm interested in working with school aged children and adults alike, through community based residencies and academic programs as well. I will work with sponsors to utilize their space, and mine, to meet the needs of the Residency. Residencies are planned to gain understanding of the art form, but also to support the school curriculum and the Ohio Fine Arts Academic Content Standards. In an upcoming residency, children will be learning about local history and we'll try to capture what they've learned in glass panel projects. It is important to establish a residency environment where in-depth experiences can be challenging and creative. I enjoy the magic of discovery when new ideas meet a powerful medium and when the synergy of a group exceeds expectations.

I like to work with glass because of its many states of being and because I receive great joy from creating something new from virtually nothing. Despite my critical eye, a sense of accomplishment and wonder emerge every time I cast my first gaze upon a recently completed work. It still amazes me how the object I hold in my hand today was nothing more than an idea and a pool of molten liquid yesterday. I will share my work with the community through workshops, public meetings, demonstrations, and hands on application.

I first started blowing glass in 1993, at the Toledo Museum of Art. I participated in workshops with Dale Chihuly, Marvin Lipofsky, Tom Pati, Thermon Statem and others. I attended the Pilchuck School of Glass in 1998, studying with Italian Master Dino Rosin. In 2000 I attended the Centro de Vidre in Barcelona Spain. And in 2002 opened firenation, ltd. My personal studio, gallery and workshop. In 2004 I received the Dominic Labino award for excellence in glass at The Area Artists Show held at the Toledo Museum of Art. My work has been selected for the "Best of" show with the Ohio Designer Craftsmen in 2005, 2007, and 2008. My work is collected locally and abroad.