2025 Artist: Matthew Stoddard
As Arts Marathon artists we will send a different example of our creative process and work to everyone who sponsors us, five days per week during April. We invite our friends, family, colleagues and anyone else who cares about art and wants to support Bridge to Rutland’s important work to sponsor us. Together we will help welcome new Americans who, in turn, will add immeasurably to our communities.
Matthew‘s Arts Marathon Goal
I plan to create multiple large acrylic paintings on canvas and possibly a assemblage sculptureMatthew‘s Background
The following is my artist statement:
My work delves into the intersection of the past and the present, drawing inspiration from the Japanese aesthetic wabi-sabi. This philosophy, which celebrates imperfection, impermanence, and the beauty of the aged and weathered, resonates deeply with my exploration of time, decay, and the hidden charm of the ordinary. Through sculpture, painting and collage, I employ color theory, and color symbolism along with unique textures to create visually arresting compositions and structures. Decay and discarded objects, often overlooked and undervalued, hold a unique allure to me. They can evoke nostalgia, remind us of the passage of time, and reveal hidden beauty. By exploring these themes, I can challenge consumer culture and create works that resonate with viewers on a deep emotional level.
By incorporating tactile surfaces, contrasting textures, and evocative textures, I aim to represent the ebb and flow of life through the decomposition and deterioration of both animate and inanimate things. I seek to reveal the forgotten beauty that can be found even in the most seemingly banal or discarded objects. Through my quiet obsession with collecting and collage, I explore the interplay between the past and the present. Inspired by Surrealism and Cubism, I utilize surreal and dreamlike imagery, along with unconventional compositions, to tap into the subconscious and reveal hidden meanings. Through the fragmentation of form, I reveal the fractured nature of the human psyche and the world around us. By challenging conventional perceptions, I aim to uncover the beauty and mystery that lies beneath the surface of reality, delving deeper into our subconscious mind.
Art Samples
