We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Matt Devine. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Matt below.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am a full time metal sculptor living in the Pacific Northwest, and have been making sculpture for about 25 years and have been fortunate to make a living at it for the last 19 years, My work can be found in galleries and in private and public collections on 6 continents worldwide.
I got into sculpture by trying to find inner peace within myself and my surroundings. At the time I was living in San Diego and working at different fabrication shops learning the metalworking/welding trade. I was struggling with the pace of modern life, crippling anxiety, depression and trying to find my way in the world. I stumbled upon sculpture by staying late, playing around with extra material and creating whatever came to mind. This opened up a new level of focus and calm that I had not felt in some time and knew this was my path.
My work is about the contrasts of nature and industry, light and shadow, and chaos and order. Pared-down organic shapes are formed out of sheet and solid materials and welded together in harmonious accord, I’m often allowing the metal to appear as light as paper. These contrasts, plus the relationships of patterns and boundaries, address my desire to contain chaos and push out the discord of an information-saturated culture.
Being a full time artist is a tricky balance between trying to stay creative and also run a business. What I’ve found works for me is to keep a very regular schedule. By not just working when I’m feeling creative or inspired, but a normal routine, this allows for pushing through the lulls of creativity and forces me to face the challenges head on and not procrastinate. Deadlines, commissions, shows, logistics and creating fresh work are very real challenges and one I welcome with open arms.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Simple answer, buying art. Everything is secondary if artists can’t support themselves, An artist needs a place to work, materials to work from and to eat, Without some sort of financial support it’s nearly impossible for an artist to produce work, and by purchasing their art, you are directly empowering an artist to continue their practice. I am so grateful for the collectors, galleries and clients that have supported my career over the years. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their purchases and support of my art.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
So many times throughout the years of ups and downs and squeaking by, so it’s hard to pinpoint just one story. I would say overall its just a constant belief that its going to work out one way or the other. By making adjustments along the way, constantly looking at whats working and whats not and where or when to take chances. This is a lifelong process and as long as you don’t give up you can’t loose.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mattdevineart.com
- Instagram: mattdevineart
- Facebook: Matt Devine
- Other: tiktok @mattdevine808
Image Credits
Studio MAHA Tyler Chartier Photography