Daily Inspiration: Meet Matthew Carter

Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Carter.

Hi Matthew, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in Moline, IL. I received my BFA from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale in 2005 and my MFA from Otis College of Art and Design in 2010. I’ve lived in LA since 2005.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it has not always been a smooth road. I went from having gallery representation and selling work to feeling completely invisible. Part of the struggle was that I needed to grow and change as an artist. Galleries often want you to continue producing whatever sold at the time. They don’t want their artists to change. I understand it’s a business, and they need to be concerned with the bottom-line, but most galleries are super conservative.

Eventually, I lost my gallery representation, and stopped getting exhibition opportunities for several years. During that time, I worked in my studio almost every day. There was a three-year period where I ended up throwing away everything I made. I would sometimes remake the same paintings two or three times trying to perfect new techniques and materials. This period was incredibly difficult, and I felt like a failure. I was working so hard and felt like I had nothing to show for it. I even considered giving up on art all together and becoming a truck driver. One thing that was helpful throughout this period was speaking with other artists about the struggles they’ve faced in their studios and going out and seeing work. Looking back, I now realize this was one of the most important phases in my development as an artist. I needed time and space to experiment and learn how to make the work that I’m making now. One of the greatest lessons I learned is how to take my time, both the importance of it, but also actually how to slow down and take the time that it takes to think through the details of a painting. Taking your time is a radical act in today’s world. I realized that I need to spend as much time researching and planning out a painting as I do on its actual execution. There are no shortcuts if you want to make thoughtful, meticulous paintings.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m primarily a painter and for the past 7 years I’ve been creating a body of work that is semi-autobiographical which explores the history and mythos of Southern California. This body of work is heavily influenced by California-based cultural and countercultural production such as 60s / 70s rock posters, Agnes Pelton and the Transcendental Painter Group, Nudies Rodeo Tailors, psychedelia and the sublime beauty of California’s deserts, mountains, and coastlines. I use lots of rhinestones and glitter in my work, too.

I’m most proud of the craft that goes into making my paintings. The craft is what keeps me grounded and honest. Craft is the objective side of art making. My ideas might be stupid or corny, but at least it’s made with thoughtfulness and integrity. That comes from understanding how to take your time. So much of art that I see out in the world today looks like it was made to only look good on the small screen of your phone. It doesn’t hold up in person. I sense an alienation between the maker and object. I need to be connected to what I’m doing and a big part of that comes from being attuned to the process and the craft. And for me, the only way to do that is to be patient.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
As a Midwest transplant, Los Angeles has always seemed like a land of opportunity. I have a love hate relationship with the city. It’s great to live in a city that has such a vibrant art scene, and I love the proximity to the ocean, deserts and mountains. However, I could do without the traffic and high cost of living.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://matthewcarterart.com/
• Instagram: @glitterandghost