The Art of Matte Stephens

Here’s an artist I’ve recently discovered that I’m really inspired by:
Matte Stephens.

Matte Stephens is a 34 year old painter working out of Portland Oregon whose art is a fun and quirky reflection of mid-century children’s book illustration and graphic design. His art is inspired by the work of Charles and Ray Eames, Alexander Girard, George Nelson, Irving Harper, and fine artists of the same era like Ben Shahn and Paul Klee.
His chosen medium is gouache on illustration board and plywood.

In a recent interview he spoke about his creative process. He explains, “...For me, painting has always been about learning and problem solving and to get the result I’m after. I’m not very good at planning a painting. The ones I like the most of mine usually just kind of happen. After doing this for so many years it has become such a part of me that I don’t think about the process that much, I just kind of do it. I remember when I started out how hard it was to figure everything out, but over time it just got easier. In no way do I consider myself a great painter, I just think I figured out a way to paint that suits me. I think each painter figures out his or her own way and tries to work with what they have.”

As an artist, I can appreciate this no-nonsense approach to his craft. Letting his creative juices flow and allowing the process to happen naturally seems to work very well for him. This is the creative process I like to follow whenever possible. It certainly helps to push obstacles, pressures, and frustrations out of the way, and allows the simple fun of creating to come out!

Enjoy his website: Matte Stephen’s blog