Hi Matt, I am so sorry to hear about your health problems. I have never commented before, but I really enjoy reading your posts. They feel so genuine and give me a window into how art is, at its core, something you live rather than something you do. I can’t describe how much your work and your posts mean to me. It is like a flicker or flash of light in the often dark times, in which we find ourselves. I hope you heal quickly and completely. Very Best, Mary
I appreciate the response. Artwork is a verb not a noun. I think arts ability to connect is sometimes the best/ only thing we can hold onto. Especially now.
Hi Matt - I love reading about your process. In my own work, I have full conversations with paper, asking it what it wants to do, how it wants to do it, and frequently, 'why won't you do what I want?'. These chats only happen when I'm deep in the process, when nearly everything else ceases to exist, and I enter flow. So I get what you are saying!
Glad you are overcoming limitations with your body, and sad you'll miss those workshops. You are exactly where you are supposed to be though. Next year, maybe I'll win one of those scholarships and join you in the classroom! Until then, add me to your list of potential people that would absolutely swoon over receiving your book. Take Care. Therese.
Great to see you back Matt. Amazing work... your new post chapel pieces are extraordinary.
Thanks for the view into your process. If you ever have time I'd love to see one of the unholy pieces come together in a stop motion / time lapse. The way the pieces create motion would likely be even more amazing watching it "unfold". I'm glad you are feeling better and hope things continue to improve as you get back to the studio with your new drawings.
I wondered what might have happened. Being down with health issues is incredibly toxic to put it tii mildly. So glad you were able to heal and persevere.
I so much appreciate what you write about the process. Creating a materilal expression from a wispy idea is so messy and non-linear if we only pay attention.
Gotta say, you are folding in a universe far beyond what most of us can't even dream of and I suspect that has happened bcause you chased a few "what ifs" that deterred you from long abandoned "goals".
So glad you are well and have kept your creative fire intact.
(I know from being leveled with health issues and what it takes to keep the vocational fire stoked)
The goal I mentioned was about that first glimpse of what the idea might look like. I seem, always to get way-laid along the way by something I'm doing that triggers an ancillary thought and since my mind is wayward- I have to see where that leads. My overall goal is to give expression to my vocation which is, like you, living into being an artist. We have chosen the best part I'm discovering.
Your work always takes my breath away. Sorry to hear about the health issues and it’s good to hear on the road to recovery. And yes, ART is a verb! Excited about the possibility of winning your book. Best!
Great that you are back with the inspiring newsletters. Looking forward to more insight into the magic and new pieces 😊 And I would definitely like to sign up for a chance to win the book please!
Your art is outstanding and I can't stop marvelling at each of your works.
I have so much desire to create similar things with paper but I still have many hurdles to overcome and there is a long way to go. Your class will be unattainable, but you are my greatest inspiration.
A little anecdote:
I asked ChatGPT for fun that I plan to make geometric elements artistically out of paper and what I need for this and what sources of inspiration there are.
You won't believe it, but three names were mentioned to me and one of them was yours.
Even AI knows who is the reference in this niche 😂
As a big fan, I would therefore be delighted to receive one of your books.
I don't know if most artists are as clear eyed and able to talk about art as you are, but I always love reading your thoughts. Hope you continue to feel good and thanks for the behind the scenes lol at your work. It always adds to the experience.
Wouldn't want to miss out on an opportunity for a copy of Unfolding. Sorry to hear you've been ill and I hope for a speedy and permanent recovery. I'll watch the Anderson Ranch schedule for your next class.
I'm so glad that you're home and on the tail end of recovery. My FIL has Crohn's too, so I think of you often. It's so hard to make art when your body is not cooperating, and I am happy to see that you're able to get back to your medium. You made the best choice, to pivot, and to postpone your workshops- it's way better for you to get yourself back to full strength and creativity! Love seeing some of the new work. xo.
Hola Matt! Desde que te conosco en las redes, no he dejado de admirar tu trabajo. Es brillante! Como dije en LinkedIn (cuando compartí esta publicación), si viviera cerca tuyo, sin dudas me anotaría para trabajar para vos. Espero ya estés recuperado y pronto vuelva a pegar pieza por pieza y crear más maravillosas obras de arte. Abrazo grande desde Argentina.
Hi Matt, I would love to buy one of your signed first edition books. Also, I just found my way to Substack. What is the link to your available work? I love your Unholy series. I hope to run into you soon.
Hi Matt, I am so sorry to hear about your health problems. I have never commented before, but I really enjoy reading your posts. They feel so genuine and give me a window into how art is, at its core, something you live rather than something you do. I can’t describe how much your work and your posts mean to me. It is like a flicker or flash of light in the often dark times, in which we find ourselves. I hope you heal quickly and completely. Very Best, Mary
Thanks Mary,
I appreciate the response. Artwork is a verb not a noun. I think arts ability to connect is sometimes the best/ only thing we can hold onto. Especially now.
Hi Matt - I love reading about your process. In my own work, I have full conversations with paper, asking it what it wants to do, how it wants to do it, and frequently, 'why won't you do what I want?'. These chats only happen when I'm deep in the process, when nearly everything else ceases to exist, and I enter flow. So I get what you are saying!
Glad you are overcoming limitations with your body, and sad you'll miss those workshops. You are exactly where you are supposed to be though. Next year, maybe I'll win one of those scholarships and join you in the classroom! Until then, add me to your list of potential people that would absolutely swoon over receiving your book. Take Care. Therese.
Great to see you back Matt. Amazing work... your new post chapel pieces are extraordinary.
Thanks for the view into your process. If you ever have time I'd love to see one of the unholy pieces come together in a stop motion / time lapse. The way the pieces create motion would likely be even more amazing watching it "unfold". I'm glad you are feeling better and hope things continue to improve as you get back to the studio with your new drawings.
Thanks Chris!
I have a few videos of assembly here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1007iD3TZmcHx4w-A4wTMCnc-7wBo1TLQ/view?usp=sharing
I wondered what might have happened. Being down with health issues is incredibly toxic to put it tii mildly. So glad you were able to heal and persevere.
I so much appreciate what you write about the process. Creating a materilal expression from a wispy idea is so messy and non-linear if we only pay attention.
Gotta say, you are folding in a universe far beyond what most of us can't even dream of and I suspect that has happened bcause you chased a few "what ifs" that deterred you from long abandoned "goals".
So glad you are well and have kept your creative fire intact.
(I know from being leveled with health issues and what it takes to keep the vocational fire stoked)
Its always non-linear. I'm not 100% sure I really ever had "goals". I get to make art full time. I kind of won.
The goal I mentioned was about that first glimpse of what the idea might look like. I seem, always to get way-laid along the way by something I'm doing that triggers an ancillary thought and since my mind is wayward- I have to see where that leads. My overall goal is to give expression to my vocation which is, like you, living into being an artist. We have chosen the best part I'm discovering.
Your work always takes my breath away. Sorry to hear about the health issues and it’s good to hear on the road to recovery. And yes, ART is a verb! Excited about the possibility of winning your book. Best!
Hi again,
Great that you are back with the inspiring newsletters. Looking forward to more insight into the magic and new pieces 😊 And I would definitely like to sign up for a chance to win the book please!
All the best from Denmark,
Zsuzsanna
Your art is outstanding and I can't stop marvelling at each of your works.
I have so much desire to create similar things with paper but I still have many hurdles to overcome and there is a long way to go. Your class will be unattainable, but you are my greatest inspiration.
A little anecdote:
I asked ChatGPT for fun that I plan to make geometric elements artistically out of paper and what I need for this and what sources of inspiration there are.
You won't believe it, but three names were mentioned to me and one of them was yours.
Even AI knows who is the reference in this niche 😂
As a big fan, I would therefore be delighted to receive one of your books.
I don't know if most artists are as clear eyed and able to talk about art as you are, but I always love reading your thoughts. Hope you continue to feel good and thanks for the behind the scenes lol at your work. It always adds to the experience.
Wouldn't want to miss out on an opportunity for a copy of Unfolding. Sorry to hear you've been ill and I hope for a speedy and permanent recovery. I'll watch the Anderson Ranch schedule for your next class.
I'm so glad that you're home and on the tail end of recovery. My FIL has Crohn's too, so I think of you often. It's so hard to make art when your body is not cooperating, and I am happy to see that you're able to get back to your medium. You made the best choice, to pivot, and to postpone your workshops- it's way better for you to get yourself back to full strength and creativity! Love seeing some of the new work. xo.
Amazing work.
Hola Matt! Desde que te conosco en las redes, no he dejado de admirar tu trabajo. Es brillante! Como dije en LinkedIn (cuando compartí esta publicación), si viviera cerca tuyo, sin dudas me anotaría para trabajar para vos. Espero ya estés recuperado y pronto vuelva a pegar pieza por pieza y crear más maravillosas obras de arte. Abrazo grande desde Argentina.
Muchas gracias por las amables palabras. ¡Saludos cordiales desde Michigan!
Hi Matt, I would love to buy one of your signed first edition books. Also, I just found my way to Substack. What is the link to your available work? I love your Unholy series. I hope to run into you soon.
Lynda Cole
Lynda,
Come by the studio and get a book direct from me. All the available pieces are online here:
mattshlian.com/available
Email me and we'll set up a time for a visit- just let me know before hand which pieces you are interested in seeing and we'll pull them out for you.
m