About the Artist

Matthew Runfola studied mechanical engineering and environmental studies at Rochester Institute of Technology. Throughout his engineering career he has worked in creative research and design environments, designing and building prototypes for the industrial and consumer products industries.

 

He established Runfola Studios in 2004 with the intent of designing and developing functional and sculptural art that explores the relationship between natural and human-made elements.

 

“I use modern patination techniques to accelerate and control the natural oxidation of metal. This method of coloration enables me to explore aspects of the material that defy conventional wisdom. Patination reveals a surprisingly tactile, expressive quality to metal — a depth and complexity that stands apart from today’s mass-produced consumer durables.”

 

Matthew Runfola also teaches at the Evanston Art Center, where he is head of the Metal Sculpture department.