Matt Weber is a seasoned Metalsmith, Instructor, and professional Patina Artist who has been working professionally for 22 years. His work has been featured in both hardcover, pictorial books, and several magazines. Matt’s diverse skills include Blacksmithing, Bronze Sculpture, Sculpture Restoration, Leather Work, toolmaking, and Computer Design.
His work can be seen in both public and private commissions around the globe.
Before the economic crash of 2008, Matt had an instructional studio where he taught Chasing and Repousee to students from around the globe.
Creating functional art takes the mind of an engineer and the heart and soul of an artist. Matt attributes his mechanical skills and ability to engineer a project in his mind to his Grandfather. “My Grandfather was the kind of guy that could disassemble anything and fix it. He instilled in me two significant things over the years:
First, if you are going to do anything, do it right the first time or don’t do it at all. And second, you are only as good as your tools. Take care of them, and they will take care of you.”
From the Artist..
“We all learn from others,” Matt reflects. “Our natural talents may take us to different levels, but no one makes this up on their own. We are inspired by the world around us and the masterpieces that artists created long ago. My inspiration is fed in part by those that came before me. These were the tradesmen of their time that did not know they were artists. Many of my tools are old and weathered, antiques with soul.
While working in my studio, my mind travels to the previous owners of these tools. Who were they? What great pieces of art or trade goods did they create with these tools? I like to think they were all like me. And wherever they are at now, they’re pleased to see their tools are still in use after all these years.
“I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”