We were lucky to catch up with Matthew Fredricey recently and have shared our conversation below.

Matthew , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

For me, to be an artist or do some type of creative work is essential. I am happier when I can be creative. I am fortunate that my day job allows for and encourages creativity. For over a decade I have worked at Blue Stone gem and crystal shop in Loveland, Colorado. In addition to displaying my original paintings and selling prints at Blue Stone, I work on a variety of lapidary projects at the shop. Lapidary is the art of cutting and polishing gemstones. At my job, I shape and polish cabochon cut gemstones that we also turn into jewelry. I have also shaped and polished many stones into abstract forms, and even made a few gemstone skulls. I also recently started experimenting with intaglio, which is the art of engraving a design onto a gemstone. So, being able to share my paintings and other creative work at my job is rewarding for my soul and my mental health. Ever since I became a father I have often thought about what it would be like to have a regular job that pays more, and offers benefits, for the sake of my family. It’s not easy to support a family as an artist. Actually, I make so little income on my paintings that it would currently not be possible to support my family without my job. Regardless, I am grateful that I can continue to be creative in many ways on a daily basis.

Matthew , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am an artist from Colorado who is dedicated to the transformation of consciousness through the healing power of art. My paintings often depict mystical visions that show how we are all connected, that everything is alive, and that Creation is Divine.
I have been painting regularly for 15 years, and drawing since childhood.
I have created well over 100 paintings and drawings in the past 15 years, and I am proud of the entire body of work. Many of my paintings required hundreds of hours of work to complete. I really enjoy getting into the detail. I want every square inch of my paintings to look beautiful.
For me, painting is a spiritual experience where I can stay completely engaged in the present moment. I find myself painting mystical, intuitive and psychedelic visions; art of a sacred or spiritual nature, imbued with symbols, realism, abstract and organic patterns, inter-dimensional beings, and nature inspired dream worlds
I paint in order that your Soul may come out and rejoice in your existence. I paint in order to share my Soul with the world.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is when someone tells me that my artwork inspired them or somehow helped them through a difficult time.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

The best way that society can support artists is to buy their art! If artists do not have any financial support then it is much more difficult for them to consistently create.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.matthewfredricey.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthew.fredricey.art
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/athirdfirematthewfredricey
• Other: Original paintings and prints can be found at Blue Stone gem and crystal shop in Loveland