Most people view forks as utilitarian objects. Matthew has taken it one step further and transformed them into art. Many of the works have become, in their own way, alive through the different forms they have taken. The fluidity of the curves combined with the jaggedness of the tines has created a life like quality from the stainless steel.

There is no welding, soldering, glue, or strings attached to these art forms. Each and every piece of fork art that Matthew has produced is shaped from the strength of his arms and hands and the tools of his trade. Matthew uses stainless steel forks as his medium, and is very particular about the quality of fork, looking for a consistency and quality in the metal so that he can achieve the perfect bend. He also deliberately chooses to work with a very plain fork so that when you look at his artwork you see the sculpture before you notice the material.

Matthew graduated from the State University of New York at New Paltz with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Visual Arts, with a minor in mathematics in 2004. He began his art career as a street artist in New York City, then moved to working mainly for private clients and presenting his art in various venues throughout the United States. His work has won awards at numerous shows and competitions, and in 2010 he had one man shows at the Arkell Museum in Canajoharie, NY, and the Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa, NY. In 2011, Matthew was commissioned to make centerpieces for the main gala dinner at the Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival in Monterey, CA, and his artwork was featured throughout the venue.

Many of the pieces that Matthew has made have been the result of the requests from people who have approached him over the past 24 years. While working out on the street or where ever he finds himself working he often attracts an audience. People approach him asking for many types of objects, both functional and decorative, ranging from all different types of figures; from little animals to humans, machinery, vehicles, and just about anything else that the mind can conceive. Others have been the brainchildren of the artist himself. Matthew prides himself on the ability to create anything given enough time and enough materials. There is nothing he is not willing to try.

Matthew T. Bartik

Schenectady, NY

1.518.312.0386

Http://www.FORK-ART.com

E-mail: MatthewBartik@gmail.com