I hope that the themes of grit, redemption and faith shine through in my work.

Meet Matt

Can you share a brief overview of your artistic journey and how you discovered your passion for art?


Well, I've always drawn, I mean, as far back as I can remember I sketched and colored. I've got drawings from when I was just a little guy. I went to a new school in 8th grade, I didn't know anybody there. I was awkward as most kids are at that age- I was a chubby, short kid with braces and a permed mullet (thanks mom). What's crazy is, I would probably fit right in with the hairstyles I see at the junior and senior high schools today! I got bullied and beat up on the first day by a group of other boys. I was able to sign up for an art class and that classroom, that teacher and the work of making art - making something that was in my head into something real, was captivating. I spent all of my extra time in that space for the rest of that year. It was a physical, mental and emotional refuge for me. It also bound me to creativity and art-making. So, in high school, I signed up for every drawing, painting and sculpture class I could- I took advanced art twice! Then, I got my Bachelor's of Fine Arts degree from California Baptist University's College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design. Since then, I have been able to make pieces for individual collections, organizations, schools and have had the honor of being featured in galleries in Colorado, Hawaii and here in California- notably in Carmel-by-the-sea and Los Angeles. 


Describe the primary medium(s) you work with in your artistic creations.

I have worked in most mainline mediums, such as oil, acrylic and watercolor. I have also experimented with printmaking, pen & ink, charcoal and in recent years, beeswax. I primarily focus on oils and acrylics these days.

What specific themes or subjects inspire your artwork?

Over the years I have been inspired by wildlife and nature more than anything. For the last several years however, I have really enjoyed capturing a contemporary figurative narrative take on the wild west. Themes however, are a different story. I am big on several tenets- grit, redemption and faith are the big three. Each one of these themes is present in my work.

Share a bit about your favorite or most memorable artistic project or piece and why it's significant to you.

 

That’s a hard one to narrow down. There is a piece called “Majesty”, which is large, though not my largest. It stands about 5’ tall and wide and it’s an encaustic (beeswax, oil and damar) piece that depicts an African bull elephant. I was painting a series that I had entitled “The Wild Series”, which were animal pieces that were titled as the attributes of God. That has been a favorite of mine. 

Are there any artists, movements, or styles that influence or inspire your work?

There are tons of artists that inspire me. Mark Maggiori, WVGuerin, Jeff Weir, Jason Lohmeier and Lizzie Wenger to name a few. All of them are in the contemporary western art scene to some degree. I love the epic, wild, raw and dangerous as well as the romantic nature of the wild west. It speaks to that part of me that is untamed and yearns for adventure and that’s what I try to incorporate into my art.

Describe any challenges you've faced as an artist and how you've overcome them.

I would say the main challenge that I’ve faced as an artist is exposure and sustainability. For those of us who love what we do in a space that can either make or break you, especially financially, there are many more who are broken than made. It takes guts and tenacity to even attempt to be a full-time artist. That’s why so many incredibly talented creators have been relegated to hobby-level obscurity if even that. So, my encouragement has been and will always be, decorate your home with original art!

Have you been involved in community events or projects to showcase your art or support the local arts scene?

I have been and continue to be. I have been a part of local art hops, wine and paint events and local showcases in several communities that I’ve lived in. Being an Oakdale resident is no different. I will showcase some of my pieces in the Knight’s Ferry Art Gallery starting in April and going through to the Knight’s Ferry Arts Festival in the summer as well as participating in the Ripon Farmer’s Market starting in May. I’m hoping to have a booth at the rodeo and possibly participate at the Oakdale Farmer’s Market this spring and summer. 

What impact do you hope your work has on others?

I hope that my work has a visual impact on anyone who sees it. I would also hope that the visual impact leads to questions about the story the piece is telling and I would hope that the themes of grit, redemption and faith shine through.