Portfolio

Mat the Maker

 

The Houndstooth

AL X is an 800-pound, custom-fabricated aluminum elephant head designed and built by Mat as a monumental installation piece. Spanning 13 feet from ear to ear, the sculpture commands the space with both scale and presence.

Constructed from CNC-cut aluminum sheets, each facet was precisely cut and welded together to form the geometric structure of the elephant’s head. The surface was finished in crimson automotive paint with metallic flake, giving the piece depth, durability, and a high-performance sheen.

AL X features music-activated, multicolored laser eyes and a fog system that emits smoke from the trunk when Alabama scores a touchdown—transforming the sculpture into a fully interactive, game-day spectacle.

The installation was featured in AL.com, highlighting its impact as a new icon within the Alabama football community.


Read the full article here:
here:https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2025/09/iconic-alabama-bar-adds-800-pound-smoke-breathing-elephant-with-laser-eyes.html

The Houndstooth custom aluminum DJ booth was also fabricated as part of the installation, featuring integrated LED lighting and a handcrafted black and white houndstooth design and black walnut base.

Quotes from Doug Nelson, owner of the Houndstooth.
“ I’m very, very happy with it. It’s even more grand than what I had thought it would be.”

“ I certainly hope that people want to come in and see it, that people appreciate the thought and effort and everything that went into it, because it’s pretty impressive.”

” He was to do more than I had initially envisioned, and I could not be happier with that.”

” I don’t think Matt gets enough credit for the artistic eye that he has. I don’t really think that people really appreciate the depth of his sight and creative bent. I think that he is exceptional at what he does, about exceptional.”


Gallettes

The Gallettes Sign is constructed from aluminum and framed in rich black walnut, balancing industrial strength with warmth and craftsmanship. Custom 3D-printed corner components were produced and finished in metallic gold, adding sculptural detail and a refined accent to the overall structure. The combination of metal, wood, and dimensional elements creates a bold yet elevated presence.

The Gallettes Cup is a five-foot-tall, scaled-up replica of the legendary Yellowhammer drink. Fabricated in aluminum and professionally painted, the sculpture transforms a familiar symbol into a monumental form. Even the ice was carefully considered—each cube was 3D printed and cast in clear resin to realistically capture the translucency and texture of the original drink.

Together, these pieces merge digital fabrication, traditional craftsmanship, and cultural storytelling—turning recognizable local icons into immersive, large-scale works.

The project was featured by AL.com, highlighting both the fabrication process and the installation’s impact. Read the full article here:

https://www.al.com/life/2023/10/gallettes-unveils-giant-yellowhammer-cup-monument-heres-how-they-made-it.html

Quote from Jeff Sirkin, Co-Owner of Gallettes

“ Matt went above and beyond my exspectations for the cup. I had a vison for it and Matt took it , ran with it, and knocked it out of the park. Its an incretible statement peice for our signature drink. Theres only one Gallettes Yellowhammer and this emphasizes and cements its place for our customers and T-Town. “


Innisfree

The Innisfree Collection demonstrates the depth of Mat’s creative vision when working within a single brand identity. Created for Innisfree Irish Pub, the collection spans sculpture, jewelry, furniture, and functional design.

The Leprechaun sculpture was digitally modeled, 3D printed, and cast in resin before being finished in a brass-toned coating, transforming the brand’s iconic figure into a dimensional statement piece.

To commemorate the business’s 30th year, The Innisfree Chain was designed as a handcrafted tribute piece. The original design was 3D printed in wax, cast in both silver and gold, then carefully assembled and soldered by hand—combining modern digital fabrication with traditional metalworking craftsmanship. A custom silver ring featuring the Innisfree logo further honors the milestone.

The collection also includes a custom DJ booth with a maple base and integrated LED lighting, as well as a sculptural bar tap topped with the Leprechaun figure—bringing cohesive branding into immersive, functional elements within the space.

Together, these pieces showcase how one brand can be expressed across multiple mediums through thoughtful design, precision fabrication, and attention to detail.


As these pieces have evolved into local attractions, I designed a commemorative bracelet that captures their form in miniature. The design is first 3D printed in wax, then cast and finished in metal, preserving the geometry and detail of the original structure at a wearable scale.

Limited quantities available.


Rhino 8 3d Modeling

This 3D modeling software allows Mat to digitally develop and refine his design before he starts the fabrication process.

3D printing

For this custom Mat the Maker coin, a 3D printer was used to design and print out a wax version of the concept (dime seen for reference). Next, I created a mold around the 3D print and melted the wax . This leaves a cavity—or void—that can be filled with molten metals. For this coin, silver was chosen.


Mat’s Work

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