We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Matthew “Woody” Wood. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Matthew “Woody” below.
Matthew “Woody”, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
It’s not always easy, but I do my best to keep my creativity flowing. The key is to stay engaged. Not only in my creative process and ways of thinking creatively, but to take in as much inspiration as possible from other creatives and their endeavors. I often visit the studios of fellow artists and friends to see what they’re up to. Usually these visits lead to engaging conversations about their creative processes and how they approach solving problems within their practice. Going to galleries and museums is also a great way to get inspiration and to get out of the day to day routine. I also find books, movies and music to be incredible sources of creative stimulation. If everything else isn’t doing the trick, I recommend taking a walk. When I lived in New York City, one of my favorite activities was walking the crowded streets and taking in the chaos.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a visual artist who currently resides in North Dallas. Six years ago I moved back to Dallas after twenty-five years of bouncing between the coasts. When I first left Dallas I went to study painting at the Kansas City Art Institute. Upon my graduation in 2000 I moved to New York City to attend Graduate School at NYU. After ten fulfilling years in New York I moved to Los Angeles to continue my artistic endeavors.
During my time at NYU I began thinking a lot about painting, the history of painting, and what actually makes a painting a painting. Hence, I started using a lot of alternate materials in my studio and eventually completely substituted vintage Chroma Rama paper for paint. Basically, I stared making paintings with painted paper instead of paint. Around the same time I wanted to develop a language of abstract shapes based on the human form and began photographing people’s shadows as they walked passed me on the sidewalk. Ultimately, these two investigations merged and became the basis of my work which I refer to as Biomorphagrams.
I feel that my unique style, choice of materials and overall artistic execution set my work apart.
If you’re in the Dallas are you can see my work in person at Ro2 Arts, or on the gallery’s website ro2art.com
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back and even forward I think the three most important qualities that have helped, and will continue to are patience, optimism and openness. Obviously, these qualities don’t always come easily. My best advice is to do one’s best and to not be too hard on yourself. It takes time, sometimes years, to get to where you want to be. Hence, quality one… Patience.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
I won the lottery with my parents, their unwavering love and support has meant everything. The list is quite extensive, but the most impactful thing my parents did for me was to let me be myself. In doing so they allowed me to fail miserably, and to ultimately learn and grow from those failures.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.artbywoody.com
- Instagram: @woodymatthews
