It is hard to escape the obvious play on words: these are clearly folk-artsy creations … and yes, they are composed entirely of shining metal forks. Matthew Bartik takes old flatware and bends, twists and shapes into complex critters, strange structures and amazing architecture.

Some of his upcycled craft projects are very simple composites using only one or two recycled forks. Other objects, sets and series have layer after layer of metal, interwoven and overlapped to make entire miniature vehicles or other incredible composites.

Still other sequences and scenes include abstract or concrete activities (e.g. instrument playing) performed by human-shaped characters with hard-to-identify accessories and machines.

From sea, land and air animals to far-fetched fantasy creatures, many of his works revolve around living (or imagined) organisms. However, he also constructs rings, necklaces, bracelets and other more conventional jewelry and decorative objects from the same simple recycled cutlery object: our everyday fork.