Monday, April 18, 2016

Seriously Proud

When I first met Matt, there were a few things that made him stand out from other fraternity bros I'd come across at Stetson. One was his super cool 1968 Chevelle...the other was the fact that he was an artist.

Despite being a writer, I'd never actually dated anyone who was also into any kind of creative outlet, and I was immediately drawn to the fact that Matt was. I loved that we could connect on that artistic level, and I was in awe of the fact that he could envision a piece, draw it, and then execute it.
Matt creating "The Oasis" in Ki Woon's studio.
The final product.
He was majoring in marketing so that he could hopefully someday market himself as an artist; the ceramics professor at Stetson didn't have anything to teach him because his skill had surpassed what instruction Stetson could provide (thanks to studying under a Korean master potter in high school).
(This short video features Matt's guide, Ki Woon Huh.)

After we graduated, the economy was in the pits so Matt started his own business, but we've always kept an eye open for a chance for him to get back to ceramics. In the meantime, Matt worked with the local art league whenever possible; his love of art has never faded.
In 2011, one of Matt's pieces, "Smoldering", was accepted into a local art exhibit.
The opportunity to open a studio and gallery finally came around when a local artists' cottage became available nearby. Matt applied alongside dozens of others for the cottage, and the city chose him from among all the applicants! Now, he'll be able to work on his art and give back to the community on a regular basis.
Kickstarter doesn't allow its campaigns to raise money for charitable causes, but after Matt's campaign ends, he'll be donating proceeds from all subsequent sales of his water-drop pieces (which are completely rounded on the bottom and meant to be hung) to support water conservation efforts in Florida.
"Dream Filter"
This is one of my favorites. It's called "Self Portrait."
Matt hand carves every cutout and groove in his pieces. Here's a great picture of the detail-work on "Realizing Dreams".
Because he works with ceramics, Matt needs all kinds of supplies and equipment other artists may not need. He'll need a kiln, a slab-roller, and a throwing wheel at the very least, not to mention the actual porcelain and glazes.

Matt has started a Kickstarter to help him get his gallery set up and running. Those who donate will receive a custom-made ceramic piece. If you're feeling philanthropic (or just love ceramics), please consider donating to his studio!
Click here to watch the video and view his Kickstarter page.
And of course, if you know anyone who would want to help a young artist make his big break, please pass along his Kickstarter link! We're trying to raise publicity as much as funds.

Matt's extremely talented and this is his passion; I'm so proud of him for taking the risk and going for it. It's not an easy thing to do, but I have a good feeling that this is really meant to happen for him!

What's your favorite kind of art?
Do you or your SO have a special talent?

ABK

13 comments:

  1. WOW his pieces are beautiful!!!! That is so wonderful the city picked him out of everyone. I wish him lots of luck on this endeavor, but he is clearly extremely talented and passionate, so he probably doesn't need luck!

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    1. Thanks Megan! I don't think he'll need luck once he's gotten everything underway. At the moment, we're hoping for a little luck to help him get started!

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  2. Great news! I love when artists are able to focus on their work, so it's awesome he was selected! I love ceramics and pottery and am amazed how artists add unique touches to make such original, beautiful pieces. Love all his work!

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    1. I can't create anything with my hands, so I'm continually impressed with what he comes up with!

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  3. Wow! Congrats on the great news - seems like it is well deserved, these are beautiful pieces and Matt is clearly very talented!

    I've always admired people with artistic talent, as I have none.

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    1. Well, you have your writing talent, and that counts!

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  4. Chipped in yesterday and am hopeful that Matt reaches his goal in time!

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  5. Wow! He is really talented! I always see stuff like that in art galleries and think they are really beautiful... but his work is incredible!

    I actually have a secret talent. I was a music major in college and I play clarinet. So, my favorite art is music. Frank isn't too artsy. haha!

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    1. I love that you play clarinet!! Have you played lately, or is it something you've let go by the wayside? I ask because I used to sing and play piano but these days I couldn't do either, and I do miss having that talent.

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  6. Matt's work is gorgeous.

    I used to draw and paint, and was pretty good -- but nowhere near that talented (which is why I don't do it for a living). My husband is a talented photographer, and I think he could have done if for a living, but he chose not to.

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    1. It's really hard to decide to follow your talent to make your living. It seems so few people do; then again, some people don't want their passion or talent to feel like work, so they end up going in another direction for a career!

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  7. Incredible! What a fantastic opportunity for your husband. I wish I had a creative outlet, but no special talents here :)

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