"I always start with a photograph, [but] once I start the painting it can take on a life of it's own." Matt Gill
We’re thrilled to welcome the exciting Sydney artist Matt Gill to our upcoming group show, Life in Colour.
We are so excited to welcome the superb Sydney-based artist Matt Gill for our upcoming show, Life in Colour.
The show brings together more than 30 incredible artists from all over the country.
Join us on Saturday 16 November from 1pm as we celebrate Life in Colour in the company of the artists involved in the show. Register for this FREE event here, and pop your contact details on the mailing list to get early pre-sales access.
Matt studied fine art before refining his skills in print retouching and illustration in a London studio, which led to a career in design and art direction. After losing his job during the Covid pandemic, Matt rediscovered painting as a therapeutic outlet, supporting both his mental health and livelihood.
As well as working on canvas Matt has been exploring painting on the reverse side of glass and wood panelling and also explored conceptual installations, with his work 'Look inside my mind' being exhibited at Sculptures by the Sea. In the last two years, Matt has been a finalist in 11 art shows.
His superb work in Life in Colour is '2715'. We absolutely LOVE it - and think you will too.
Ahead of the show opening, Matt told us about using photographs as a starting point, why the work is called 2715, and how he hopes people feel when they see the work.
Where do you create your work?
"My studio is set up in my unit in Erskineville. Although this can be challenging for large scale works I can still work comfortably on anything up to 1.5 meters. My goal would be to have an off site studio in the future."
How do you create your works?
"I always start with a photograph and manipulate it in photoshop to get the colours and composition correct. However, once I start the painting it can take on a life of it's own and goes off in a different direction."
"I very rarely look at the original or try to match, its purely a starting point."
Why is the work called 2715, and what's its story?
"My painting is called ‘2715’ because it’s the postcode of Balranald, in the Murray region of New South Wales, deeply intertwined with the Murrumbidgee River. My semi abstract painting pushes the shapes and colours whilst drawing inspiration from this river, reflecting the rhythms and textures of the landscape it nourishes."
What inspires you?
"Natural landscapes, like rivers, forests, oceans, or even urban environments, often serve as inspiration. The way light interacts with water, the textures of rocks, or the changing seasons can evoke creative responses."
What do you hope people feel when they see your work?
"Engaged and connected."
Register for the opening celebration of Life in Colour on Saturday 16 November here.
