Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Carter.
Matthew, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I came out to LA in 2005. I had just received my BFA from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. I wanted to be in a city that had an art scene. My first year here I worked on TV. I started getting burned out with that so I decided to go back to school to get my MFA. I went to Otis College and received my MFA in 2010. I have been living and working here ever since.
Has it been a smooth road?
No, it hasn’t. Life has been pretty up and down. I graduated in 2010 and it wasn’t until 2014 that I got my first break. After grad school, I really paid my dues and continued to work really hard. For a couple of years, I didn’t even have a studio so I made work in my bedroom. I kept at it and finally, someone took notice.
The summer of 2013 I had a studio visit with Luis De Jesus. They put me in a group show and one of my paintings sold. A few months later they offered me a solo show. I had about 8 months to prepare so I worked my ass off. It was probably one of the most productive periods of my life. I was very focused. My life consisted of going to work during the day and then going straight to my studio and staying there till 11 pm making work. I did that almost every single day. The hard work paid off and the show was very successful. Many of the paintings sold and the show was reviewed in several publications. One of my paintings was purchased by the Museum of Contemporary Art in San Diego, but most importantly I was really proud of the work.
Everything seemed like it was on the up and up, but at the same time, I had some health/personal problems that started getting in the way. It is very difficult trying to be an artist and having a full-time job. Not to mention the cost of living in LA is skyrocketing. The pressure of deadlines and working two jobs started taking its toll. Even though I was pretty exhausted I kept making work at a grueling pace. The following year I did my 2nd solo show with Luis and I wasn’t happy with the results. I took on a deadline that I couldn’t meet plus I was in a bad place in my life. As a result, my work suffered and I still carry that disappointment. Even though my life has slowed down quite a bit it has been a struggle to find a balance.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Matthew Carter – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
For a day job, I am the Office Manager for the MFA Fine Arts Department at Otis College. My 2nd job is being an artist. My primary focus is painting and I usually make work within a series. I’m probably most know for my harlequin paintings.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
You can’t beat the weather and the art scene is very dynamic. There is always something going on. However, the rental prices and the traffic are some of the worst in the country. I have a love/hate with LA.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.luisdejesus.com/artist_dtl.php?id=74
- Phone: 323.636.3803
- Email: mcarter0512@gmail.com
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