Matthew J. Bezak

Jewelry as an artistic expression is how I describe my work. I have strived to learn and master whatever technique serves my design purposes. This has led to studies in granulation, platinum fabrication, glass beadmaking, glassblowing, and fine cast glass/crystal.

My foundation consists in Dental Laboratory Technology; these skills readily transferred to jewelry methods. A graduate and past instructor for five years of the Gemological Institute of America, my skills evolved and grew. I have owned and operated several shops in California, and now I reside in N. Ridgeville, Ohio. Still stretching outside conventional jewelry in an artistic manner, but overall concerning myself with form, beauty and function.

"Lost Wax Glass Casting" is an ancient technique. The early Egyptians used this process for vases, beads, and amulets. "Rene Lalique" utilized it to create masterpieces in fine jewelry during the "Art Nouveau" period in early 20th century France. In lies my inspiration to create objects of beauty with cast glass, precious metals and gemstones. 
 
The process of casting glass consists of several steps that must be rigidly adhered to for success. The wax to be cast is invested in high heat plaster material, and the wax removed in a burnout cycle, this creates a perfect, but fragile mold. A specific heating cycle is used that allows the mold to be brought up to temperatures where glass will melt into it. Once the mold is filled it must be brought down to temperature very slowly to ease the tension in the glass itself. This ensures that it will exist in a stable form, much like any other glass we use every day. Upon removal of the rough casting from the investment plaster, there is a lapidary process employeed, a sand cleaning, and an acid etch that brings out the matte finish on the glass surface.