Dear bloggers,

Hearing Matt speak about how he has made alterations in his process due to the weather situation in Ireland, has reminded me anew of one of the things I admire most about him as a painter.  He is constantly adjusting, tweaking, pulling the rug out from under himself.  Getting into a rut is anathema to him.  He’d rather die.

Matt always says that if he ever realizes he’s definitively figured out how to paint, he’ll put down his paint brush forever and join the Rockettes.  I don’t think we ever have to worry about that happening, because Matt thrives on agitation, which leads him to innovation.  I think if he were stranded on a desert island, he would still paint; he’d root around for stones and grind them into pigments and paint on coconuts if he had to.

He is someone who has to paint, and he gets bored if he paints the same way for too long.  This is why he invented the dip, why he adjusted it constantly, why he put aside his leeriness toward abstract art to become an astounding abstract painter, why he constantly pivots between abstract, semi-abstract, and figurative modes, and why he uses every available opportunity to cut his anchor and sail into uncharted artistic waters.

All best,
Richard
Blog editor