MAKE :: The Vintage Gouache Stylings of Matte Stephens

AN INTERVIEW WITH ILLUSTRATOR MATTE STEPHENS

When we initially posted on the whimsical illustration art of Matte Stephens, we had no idea it would end up being one of the most popular posts we'd done at PrairieMod. So, we decided it would be a good idea to interview Matte to find out a little more about his background, his inspirations and what makes his work so intrinsically appealing.

Eric: I've read that you came to painting and sculpting in a very natural, self-taught manner, without formal schooling. Do you feel that that is one of your strengths as an artist?

Matte: When I was young I really wanted to go to school but just didn't have the money. I'm from a really small town where there weren't many options and definitely no future in the arts. I talked to illustration students at Portland State University a few weeks ago and it really made me wish I would have had the opportunity to go to college. I am really happy with the way my work has turned out and I'm not sure I would have had the same wonderful experiences I have had if I had gone to college. I do think it is a strength in a way, because I don't really think about it, I just paint.

Eric: You've stated in other interviews that the work of Mid-Century artists like Alexander Girard, George Nelson and Charles & Ray Eames have had a big influence on you. What are some of the Principles in their work that attracts you and how have you found your own way to interpret those same Principles in your work?

Matte: It was their work ethic and the quality of their work. I have the pleasure of living with a lot of their designs and seeing them every day inspires me to keep trying.  If you work and think, anything is possible. This is kind of a simple way of describing their work but for me it has always been about the feeling the work conveys. It is very different than anything else I have been around. I have gotten to know designer Irving Harper over the last few years and he has been a great influence on me. His philosophy of art and design is wonderful.

Eric: Many of your works feature anthropomorphized animals like owls, bears, foxes, etc. Do these animals hold any special allegorical meaning for you? Are they just fun to draw?

Matte: I love animals, we have pets and their personalities come out in my work. I try to connect my paintings to my life whether it be through creating a character that reminds me of someone I know, my wife, our pets, the neighborhood we live in, or place I have visited or lived or dream about visiting. Its all connected for me.

Eric: I'm especially drawn to the way in which you depict urban subjects in your artwork. What is your favorite city to paint and why? Do you have any favorite buildings or architects?

Matte: I really like Calatrava I have had the pleasure of visiting the Milwaukee Museum of Art a few times and his part of the museum is wonderful. And of course Saarinen's part of the museum is fantastic. I really like to paint large cities because there is so much to see in them. It would be very hard for me to name one city because I love all the ones I have painted even if I haven't been there.

Eric: If you could impart on piece of advice for up-and-coming artists, what would it be?

Matte: I would say work every day even when you don't feel like it. pm

:: Matte's Bio  

:: Matte's Blog 

:: Matte's Flickr page

:: Matte's etsy page

All Images copyright Matte Stephens

Eric O'Malley is a co-founder and contributor to PrairieMod. He lives with his wife in the Little Red House, a Mid-Century Modern ranch in suburban Chicago. You can email him at eric@prairiemod.com.