Check Out Matt Bilfield’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Bilfield

Hi Matt, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As someone who thrives on order and pragmatism, and is a bit obsessive (if it wasn’t obvious from my work) I’ve always been drawn to minimalism and structure. This inclination led me to a career in television, where I could channel my inner visions in a controlled and organized manner.

In my work in entertainment, I realized that while the images on screen constantly change, the viewer remains a passive observer. This observation sparked a desire to create art where the viewer’s interaction would be an integral part of the experience. I envisioned pieces where the vantage point dictates the abundance of color, activating the viewer and making them a part of the artwork. Unlike the confined screen of a television, my art extends to the dimensions of the room itself, offering each viewer a unique perspective.

What began as a side hustle to explore this concept eventually grew into my full-time pursuit. It has been incredibly fulfilling to see my work come to life in ways that engage and inspire viewers actively.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As with most things, there have definitely been some challenges along the way. What starts as a pure intention of creating aesthetic artwork eventually merges with various practical aspects like managing gallery relationships, handling accounting, scaling the business, marketing, sourcing materials/manufacturing, and dealing with fluctuations in costs that you can’t always control. To anyone starting out, I’d recommend getting good at Google Sheets. It’s been a lifesaver for keeping everything organized and on track.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve become known for my wall sculptures made from thousands of painted wooden pegs. Initially, I gained recognition for the pop art imagery I created in this medium, but as my subjects evolved to abstract mathematical gradients, representational cherry blossoms, and nostalgic themes, I’ve become more known for the medium itself rather than the imagery. In this artistic journey, I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve fostered with my collectors, fans, and galleries. Sales are great, but having people enjoy your work for years on end is incredibly gratifying. Unexpectedly, I also gained a ton of notoriety from my work in the NFT space, where I ironically ended up moving back into the digital realm and found success selling over 6,000 pieces of digital art.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years, I anticipate the industry will continue to evolve as expected. While there’s much discussion about AI potentially replacing artists, I believe this will only heighten the emotional value placed on handmade creations—whether it’s work like mine, paintings, sculptures, or any other art form. Additionally, I foresee a significant shift in how artwork is discovered. As the generation currently immersed in social media matures and starts purchasing art for their homes, they’ll likely encounter art in new and different ways. Traditionally, an artist’s success was validated by their gallery representation, but now it’s increasingly about the social validation they’ve garnered. I believe that the ability to self-validate as an artist will continue to evolve and become even more crucial in the years to come.

Pricing:

• Work ranges from about $2,000-$20,000+ depending on the piece

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mattbilfield.com
• Instagram: @mattbilfield
• Twitter: @mattbilfield
• Youtube: @mattbilfield