CCFX - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Founder
• Co - Founder of Pastry Live
• Contributor
• Master Mold Maker

Author of Confectionery Art Casting: Silicone Mold Making for the Pastry Chef, Michael Joy, is both a master mold maker and sculptor. Graduating from the Art Institute of Chicago, his skills quickly evolved when he founded a sculptural fabrication studio where he undertook a wide variety of commercial projects ranging from creating the master model for the Oscar's trophy to large scale monument restorations. Not only is Michael recognized for his commitment to superior craftsmanship, but also for his wide range of projects that have later been displayed globally. For over the past 25 years, Michael has gathered an abundance of technical skills encompassing several industries. This being his proficiency for understanding industrial mold making techniques. Examples include those used for casting in clay, resin, bronze, ornamental plaster for applications in architectural restoration, photographic models/props, museum work, confectionery and other food-related mediums. Such skills have even been applied within the medicine field as well as dental work and other industrial sciences. Over the past 25 years, Michael has accumulated a wealth of technical skills encompassing several industries. He is proficient in a wide range of industrial mold making techniques, including those used for casting in clay (ceramic), resin, bronze, ornamental plaster for applications in architectural restoration, photographic models/props, museum work, confectionery and other food-related mediums. Most recently, Michael's skills have been applied in medicine, dental work and other industrial sciences. In addition to commercial applications of mold making and casting, Michael has also produced his own artwork to be enjoyed by many at MichaelJoyArt.com. The artwork signifies playful themes as well as imagery that is expressed in a unique, surrealistic style that elevates industrial mold making into a fine art form. Michael has worked with countless pastry and savory chefs around the world which has impacted his mold making skills. This awareness is what fueled Michael with many creative possibilities of using molding techniques in the food industry. Michael founded the Chicago School of Mold Making and Casting for the Arts, Inc. in 2002, which is now known as Chicago CulinaryFX. Since then, the team has developed a vast array of new culinary products as well as partnered in hundreds of notable collaborations with world renowned chefs and companies. Prior to, Michael has taught mold making classes and workshops at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Modern Art as well as several private schools and state Universities. His skillset is what has been assisting many chefs and teams to win awards in various competitions around the world. Accomplishments included in the US and World Pastry Team Championships, US Army Culinary Arts Competition, Pastry and Baking Team Championships, World Chocolate Masters, Culinary Olympics, Coupe du Monde de la P tisserie, Patis France, National Dessert Championship, Bocuse d'Or, and the prestigious Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (best craftsman). Michael is also the co-founder of Pastry Live. An annual national pastry competition held in Atlanta each summer. Additionally, Michael is a collaborator to the three-time Emmy award-winning Chicago Restaurant Pastry Competition. He has been featured on the cover of Pastry Art and Design and has appeared on the Food Network and featured in Crain's Business Journal . Michael has been honored as the 143rd Distinguished Visiting Chef at two of Johnson & Wales University campuses in both Rhode Island and Charlotte, NC for his contributions to the culinary field. In the summer of 2013, he was awarded an honorary lifetime membership to the American Culinary Federation. Michael has been a regular contributor to several trade publications, including Pastry's Best magazine, Dessert Professional, Pasticceria Internazionale and is currently working on his second book. All in all, a master mold maker's knowledge and skillsets are what turn design concepts into reality. The molds he or she creates and the techniques he or she suggests will determine a project's final physical form. To do this well, they must have a thorough knowledge of industrial tooling along with the full range of modern materials as well as the various manufacturing processes used by different industries. It is also important that they contribute their practical skills as a hands-on craftsman in order to place emphasis on a strong creative mind which is critical when developing new products. It is then that a client benefits from the master mold maker's technical knowledge and artistic sensibility.