About the Studio

About John

 

STATEMENT OF CREATIVITY

     I live in an intentional community – Sunflower Farm, hence the name of the studio. The members of the community own their own homes, but we share land in common. The community is in the country. I find the solitude and the beauty of the area are inspirational. It’s lovely here, and there’s no season that I don’t enjoy.
     My background is in social work. One day I did what a lot of social workers do, I burnt out. I had always liked stained glass, but I didn’t have a background in art. So I took an eight-week night school class, quit my job and started doing stained glass. That was in 1980. I haven’t looked back and have no regrets.

All of my work is a reflective of my joy in life.

∞§∞

     John Matz has taught glass-working techniques to people of all ages since 1984 in workshops and classes throughout West Virginia and Ohio. He is on the staff at Foothills School of American Crafts, has taught classes through Ohio University Continuing Education, and West Virginia School of Crafts.

     He received his BA in Sociology at Rutgers University in 1974, working in the social services for six years. Matz began his studies in glass work in 1980 at Ohio University and furthered his study of design under Nyoka Baker, Bradley Johnson, and Jane Bruce. His work has received various awards and can be seen in galleries and retail shops across the country. Matz resides in Amesville and is owner of Sunflower Glass Studio, a wholesale/retail business where he also produces artwork for residential commissions.

      John produces high quality design and craftsmanship in glass, from traditional quilt block patterned windows to individually designed contemporary pieces.