September 13, 2024

As a sculptor for nearly a decade, Matt Schiermeier, recently created anatomical sculptures inspired from his own journey creating some of his most meaningful work – spine from stone.

Creating Spine Art

It started with a casual conversation at the gym when a friend approached Matt about a spine sculpture as a graduation gift for her significant other, former Washington University Orthopedic resident. Matt was really intrigued by the opportunity, not only because he loves a challenge, but also because of his own recent spine surgery journey with Washington University Orthopedic spine specialist, Jacob Buchowski, MD, MS.

"I really delved into learning more about the anatomy of the spine, the structure and the complexity of spine issues," the artist explained. With his initial spine sculpture complete, he was ready to create another. "I continued to be fascinated with the spine and wanted to also create a piece that showed what I - and others - have experienced by having abnormalities in the makeup of our spines. While my case is not as extreme as the scoliosis represented in my piece, it definitely speaks to the extremes of what could be and why there is such a need for amazing surgeons and doctors."  

Navigating Spine Surgery  

Matt had been told he had slight scoliosis his whole life, but not to the extent of needing intervention. Fast forward 40 years, and he started to experience physical issues that led to further investigation and action. After two hernia surgeries and physical therapy, he found himself in worsening pain and he was struggling to even walk. As an avid weight lifter, these limitations were drastically changing Matt's life. His husband, a Washington University employee, started doing research on who was specialized in handling the symptoms Matt was having. That led him to Dr. Buchcowski and the Washington University Orthopedic spine specialists.

Dr. Buchowski explained Matt's issues were due to congenital spinal stenosis causing major issues at the L3 and L4 vertebrae. "Dr. Buchowski presented me with two options, a laminectomy and discectomy or a fusion. I chose the laminectomy and discectomy and the surgery went very well. Recovery was painful at times but well worth it because since the surgery, I have been pain free and feel stronger and sturdier in that area than I did prior to surgery." 

Appreciating the Art and the Artists 

Matt explains, "This whole experience has really made me have more appreciation for the art and work I do, as well as the art and work that surgeons do on the human body. Just as art has a story, so does every patient and when we learn more about the art and about the patient, we begin to appreciate and understand the experience of each piece and each person. Dr. Buchowski was genuinely amazing and I could tell that he cared not only about the procedure and completing everything correctly, but also that he cared about me as an individual and wanted me to be pain free. He and the WashU Ortho team took time to listen to and hear my story. Now, I am healed and forever grateful."

View Matt's beautiful art. 

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