Today we’d like to introduce you to Jo Mattison.
Jo, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I had not painted a canvas in a long time when the unthinkable happened. Working as a decorative painter doing wall finishes and murals, my world was forever changed when my 20-year-old son suddenly died by suicide. At first, I was paralyzed by grief and asking why, why? I knew I had to do something in order to move on with life. Either get on with living or go and die. Painting has always been in my blood as a way of expressing myself and feeling relevant. So, I eventually moved away from the wall finishes and into my studio where I found a way to manage grief and channel energy by making art. From doing walls I was accustomed to working large, so many of my canvases are much bigger than me! My earliest works are darker with earthy colors. As the years went by my paintings, have become more colorful and vibrant reflecting my more positive outlook on life.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
As an abstract expressionist, I a paint large colorful pieces with simple compositions. I consider myself a color-field artist, meaning my works consist of one predominant color. To begin a piece, I start by making small studies on paper with pastels. I get the idea that’s in my head worked out; then I am excited to attack the canvas. Working with water-based plasters and paints, I use trowels and palette knives to layer on texture and color. The process is free-flowing and spontaneous. Sometimes a piece will capture the essence of a place I have visited. But, usually, they visually represent an emotional response. A painting takes time to unfold telling me where to go with it. Often, I stick close to the original plan, but other times a piece will become something else entirely. Finishing a painting is the hardest part as I am looking for cohesion and closure.
I want to create works that can’t be glanced at or walked by quickly. To ignite the viewers’ response, my art conveys harmony but also hopes to stir curiosity. When others look into my paintings, they should see themselves, not me looking back. It is my goal to make art that each viewer can find different meanings to the imagery they see and never tire of looking.
How can artists connect with other artists?
There are so many organizations in the Dallas/Fort Worth area now that support and bring together artists. A quick search on Facebook will yield a long list of groups you can join. Instagram is a great place to find other like-minded artists locally as well. Nothing beats face to face, and I try to find opportunities to do that often. If any artists are reading this want to connect with me, that would be great!
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
My works can be seen and purchased at Antique Row on Lovers Lane and at Olivia G. on Inwood Road in Dallas. My home gallery and studio are an excellent place to see finished pieces and works in progress by appointment. They can be seen on my website and purchased through SaatchiArt.com as well.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4100 San Carlos, Dallas, TX 75205
- Website: https://www.jomattison.com
- Phone: 214-354-3527
- Email: art@jomattison.com
- Instagram: http://Instagram.com/jmattison
- Facebook: http://Facebook.com/JoMattisonART
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/JoMattisonART
- Other: http://saatchiart.com/JoMattison
Image Credit:
Jo Mattison
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