Mats Jonasson began his artistic journey at Maleras, Sweden, in 1959 on leaving school at the age of fourteen. The local glass works needed an engraver and, since Mats was known to be exceptional at drawing, his father, who was employed there, was asked if his son could start. Mats Jonasson's talent as a designer attracted attention early on. After some ten years at Maleras Mats Jonasson moved to Kosta, returning to Maleras in 1975. Over the next few decades he worked with many well know local artists of his home country Sweden.This was the period  he developed that natural, realist style of his which he has perfected in his huge collection, full lead crystal animal reliefs, which are used as awards, momentos and gifts everywhere.

Inspired by the natural world around him, he has opened his mind to create his distinctive masterpieces. He has since developed the range of crystal animal motifs that has become famous and has spread all round the world.
For 28 years he has refined the state of the art.

Even now his handmade works are still on the very cutting edge, unmistakable from any other glass. This son of the glassworks is represented all over the world, has been knighted, (no really) and his unique style is copied everywhere, but there is only one who occupies the top spot for level of quality and detail in glass art, and that master is  Mats Jonasson.

What are Starlite Original sculptures made of?

All Starlite Originals (Formerly known as "Legends" and before that "Genesis") since 1972, sculptures begin from an original made of plasticine, the result of an artists' sculpting and resculpting soft clay. From these originals, first-generation models are created. Each sculpture is sectioned into a myriad of component parts and placed into molds for the creation of individual cavities. Starlite sculptures are hand created from one or any combination of different materials. Such materials can be categorized by bronze, pewter, Lucite, acrylic, porcelain, gold in (special locations like beaks) and resin. They do not include crystal. At right, as you can see, the remarkably elegant metal sculpture are combating eagles encased in Lucite, a nearly unbreakable (will not shatter from a fall) material which is highly optically pure.

The artworks by Starlite are collectors items which generally increase in value over time. They reside commonly in prestigious Galleries, establishments, and residences, including the lobbies of certain federal agencies.

Exactly What is Mixed Media?

It is a combination of various fine metals such as lost wax bronze, fine pewter, brass, copper, 24 karat gold vermeil and various hot torched acid patinas such as black nickel, rose copper, turquoise patinas to highlight the sculpture. In addition, the sculpture may contain embellishments such as Lucite.

How Are The Sculptures Made?

The original sculpture is delivered to the foundry by the artist in the form of plasticine. Working models are created from the originals by Starlite master moldmakers. In the old world tradition, the master mold is then created. Once the mold is complete, molten metal is poured into the cavities in the mold and left to cool to room temperature. Each part is then removed from the mold, cleaned, assembled, and hand tooled until it looks exactly as the artist created it. The sculpture then goes through numerous metal plating and patina application steps, completing the Mixed Media process.

Chris Pardell
Starlite Originals