Curriculum Vitae Matthew Ryan
Born:
23 January 1974.
Sydney, Australia.
Education:
1990 – 1991
Trade Certificate in
Flat Glass and Glazing.
Exhibitions and Collections:
2007- Glebe Glass Artists Gallery. Encore. Group Exhibition.
2007- Finalist - Tom Malone Glass Prize / Western Australian Art Gallery.
2006- Glebe Glass Artists Gallery. Some Kind of Blue. Group Exhibition.
2006- Winner- Peoples choice award Willoughby Art Prize.
2006- Finalist - Willoughby Art Prize 3D open award.
2006- Finalist - Ranamok Glass Prize.
2006- Represented by SOHO Galleries at Sydney Art Fair.
2006- Bathurst Regional Art Gallery- Solo foyer exhibition.
Private commissions and collections in Australia and the UK.
Summary
Matthew Ryan’s experience with glass began in 1987 in the trade of stained
glass and flat glass/ glazing. Working with the material in its cold form created a
natural progression and interest in working with hot glass. In 2001 Matthew
undertook a journeymanship while travelling in the UK where he was employed
by Bath Aqua Glass and Bristol Blue Glass as a maker/assistant and technician.
Whilst in the UK he worked with Neil Wilkin, Peter Bremers and Menno Jonker.
Since then he has also worked in Northern NSW with Noel Hart and Colin
Heaney. Currently he is working with Blowfish Glass in Sydney, for whom he has
designed and built a hot glass facility. Presently he is focused on producing Graal
and Murrini objects and vessels.
Employment History:
2004 – 2007
Blowfish Glass. Brookvale, NSW.
Construction and management of Blowfish Glass Studio.
Designer and Maker of Blowfish Glass range.
Currently designing and making Graal and Murrini vessels
and objects.
2003 – 2004
Colin Heaney Glass Studio. Byron Bay, NSW.
Assistant and Gaffer to Colin Heaney and Noel Hart.
Technician.
2001 – 2003
Bath Aqua Glass and Bristol Blue Glass. UK.
Glassblower, Technician.
2002
Neil Wilkin, Peter Bremers and Menno Jonker. UK.
Glassblower.
2000 – 2001
Bent and Curved Glass. Mortdale, NSW.
Glass worker.
2000
Finns Stained Glass, Peakhurst, NSW.
Glass Worker / Teacher.
1997 – 2000
Private commissions.
1996 – 1997
Lawrence Leadlights. Wetherill Park, NSW.
Stained glass worker and restorer.
1996
K & K Glass. Arndell Park, NSW
Glass cutter.
1993 – 1995
Paddy Robinson/ Finglinna Studios. Sofala, NSW.
Stained glass worker / Teacher.
1993
Willoughby Park Centre. Willoughby, NSW.
Stained glass teacher.
1992 – 1993
Exquisite Stained Glass. Mosman, NSW.
Stained glass worker and restorer.
1987 – 1992
Spectrum Stained Glass. Concord West, NSW.
Stained glass worker and restorer / Teacher.
MATT RYAN
Artist’s statement
Inspiration
My works are inspired by pattern, both natural and manmade. Exploration of
technique allows me to exploit the properties of light and material. Using
recurring pattern I am able to create a depth of field through contrasting
transparency and opacity
whilst still allowing organic expression.
Organic substance forms pattern and everything has a pattern.
Influence.
I am influenced heavily by the minimalism of Scandinavian and Italian designers
such as Edward Hald, Tapio Wirkkala, Ettore Sottsass and Carlo Scarpa. English
Master Glassmaker Neil Wilkin and Dutchman Peter Bremers are influences in
regard to contemporary Swedish technique.
Career.
Starting my career as a 13yr old in the stained glass industry I studied flat glass
and glazing as an indentured apprentice whilst working in the stained glass/art
glass field. To expand my vocabulary of skills, I worked extensively in bent and
curved glass as well as freehand and automated sheet cutting. In 2001 to further
my career I travelled to the UK to study medieval glass restoration where by
chance I was employed as a glassblower’s assistant. In the two years in the UK I
worked with Swedish furnace builders, factory/ studio masters and designers.
After returning to Australia, I constructed a new glassblowing studio for Blowfish
Glass where I currently make a production range and art glass.