Meet Matthew “Woody” Wood | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Matthew “Woody” Wood and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matthew “Woody”, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I can definitely say that I wouldn’t be where I currently am in my artistic career, or life without a fair amount of risk taking. Though I wouldn’t consider myself your typical “risk taker”, like those who jump out of planes, or hedge large bets; I’m more of a lifestyle risk taker. Deciding to dedicate my life to being a visual artist, I’d say, is a tremendous risk. Perhaps the biggest risk I’ve ever taken, aside from moving to New York City for graduate school. There’s little certainty that a career as a painter will amount to wealth, stability, or fame. Quite the opposite. It’s a path that requires a great deal of faith in one’s self and in general, as well as tremendous patience, hard work and if your lucky enough, support from family and friends. Fortunately, I’ve been extremely lucky in that regard. I consider ever day that I’m in the studio as taking risks, risks at being an artist and the risks that are taken in the creation of my artwork.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I call my works Biomorphagrams, which are constructed painting/sculpture hybrids. Several years ago I began exploring alternative ways of making paintings without actually painting and came across two types of paper, vintage Chroma Rama and dead stock paint swatches. What makes these materials special is that they’ve already been painted by machines. Around the same time I began photographing pedestrian’s shadows on the sidewalks of New York City. Through an in-depth process of cutting, drawing and more cutting of the people’s shadows I created a formal language of biomorphic shapes I named, Biomorphagrams. Influenced by art old and new and making references to popular culture, I believe my artwork to be simultaneously fresh and familiar.

Mostly, I’m proud to still be making art and proud of the art that I’m making. I’m excited for what’s next… What’s next in the studio as far as upcoming projects and what’s next in my artistic career. I hope to share and exhibit as much as possible and would love to obtain gallery representation one of these days.

I’ve gotten to where I am today, artistically, with a lot of support, hard work, sacrifice and dedication. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s certainly been worth it. I love what I do and am lucky to be doing it!

There have been a few tough lessons, or should I say realizations… For most artists it boils down to finances. Money comes and money goes. I’ve learned to budget better and to make the necessary sacrifices. It comes down to what’s most important to one’s self and to the endeavor. To me, it’s being in the studio as much as possible. Therefore, that’s what I invest in… Myself and my artwork.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are several areas of Dallas that are full of fun and tasty places! I’d start with heading to Deep Ellum and hitting up Ruins for some tasty mezcal and delicious Oaxacan inspired cuisine and then stick around for the band, or DJ that’s playing in their Limbo Room… Hopefully, it’s Jorts Richardson aka Son of Stan. We’d also have to make it to Lee Harvey’s to grab a burger and a beer, or two. Visiting the Tin District’s artist’s studios would be a must. From there we’d bounce over to the studios at The Cedars Union to check out the artwork and artists in residence program. A sushi dinner at Hibiki, also in Deep Ellum, would be on the list for sure. Gallery hopping around the design district would be a lot of fun for a Saturday afternoon and then we’d head to Armory D.E. for cocktails and snacks. I’d also recommend catching a cult classic and a beer at the Texas Theater on Jefferson Blvd.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m lucky to say that there are so many people throughout my life that deserve shout outs and I’m grateful to them all!.. First and foremost I’d like to give a huge shoutout to my family. There’s absolutely no way I’d be the person/artist I am today without their overwhelming love, support and encouragement. I truly won the lottery when it comes to family and couldn’t be more grateful. My best friend and fellow artist David Sindelar of Archisects in San Diego also deserves a huge shout. For over twenty years I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating and working closely with him on several projects. He’s without a doubt helped me become a better artist and human being. A shout also to Sean Kelly, of Zahner in Kansas City Missouri. Sean was an early mentor to me while I was attending The Kansas City Art Institute. Lastly, I’d like to give a shoutout to the lovely group of people and volunteers at The Cedars Union in Dallas where I’m currently an artist in residence until June of 2023.

Website: www.artbywoody.com

Instagram: woodymatthews

Facebook: Matthew Wood