We are thrilled to welcome Matt Tommey as the featured artist in our Temporary Exhibition Series.
Matt Tommey's work blends nature's raw beauty with the timeless art of basketry. His woven creations whimsically combine traditional weaving and painting techniques with a variety of materials including vines, bark, wax, pigments, clay, and metal. Since experimenting with the invasive kudzu vine in the early 1990's as a student at the University of Georgia, Matt has drawn inspiration from traditional Appalachian basketry while infusing his work with a distinctive contemporary flair that is all his own.
Each piece begins with a meditative journey into the forest, where Matt carefully selects materials. This process ensures that each element contributes to a unique design and superior quality. He often uses southeastern invasive species, chosen for their aesthetic appeal and ability to convey nature's resilient beauty.
Matt's recent works have expanded into sculptural collections for walls and tables, incorporating various materials like metal, wax, natural pigments and clay to add texture and depth. Whether in the format of a single vessel, a sculptural collection nestled in branches or a niched cold-wax and oil painting, the complexity and simplicity of the natural world shine through Matt’s unique artistic voice. His pieces are truly expressions of movement and life, capturing the dynamic interplay between nature, the artist's hand and divine inspiration.
Central to Matt's artistic philosophy is his quest to speak the language of natural materials. He views his work as a dialogue between the artist, the elements, and the Creator, honoring each material's inherent qualities while pushing traditional artistic boundaries. This approach lets him explore themes of growth, transformation, and connection, making each piece a narrative of his artistic journey.
Matt's art graces luxury mountain and coastal homes, where collectors appreciate how his work resonates with the environment. His pieces, with intricate patterns and organic shapes, celebrate nature's artistry, bringing tranquility and wonder into any space.
Over the years, Matt’s work has been featured in publications like Garden & Gun, Martha Stewart’s American Made Awards, and Our State. In 2011, he was recognized as an American Artist Under 40 by the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery. Matt is a long time member of the prestigious Southern Highland Craft Guild.
The collection will be available for purchase at Found February 7-March 1, 2025.
