Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Schlosser.
Hi Matthew, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started creating and applying custom finishes using mostly paint and plasters. Eventually combined that with hand-painted details, murals, and gilding. I love the combination of using different materials to create a look and a mood that every project needs. Whether it’s a custom home, hotel, restaurant, Buddhist temple, or Japanese wedding chapel…they all require something special. I enjoyed working with balance of structure in design, to either be the focus or the background that complimented everything else. Both are equally important. Casting little light or shimmer on a wall or ceiling does wonders, especially if the walls previously have “Orange Peel” texture…yikes!
For many years now I’ve been traveling throughout the country working on custom projects. I moved to Dallas at the start of Covid from Honolulu after 15 years. Quite the contrast but wonderful all the same. I was blessed to work of so many unique projects due to some many cultures crossing paths in Hawaii. A few of these projects include the Aulani Disney Resort on Oahu, as well as for the Disney family. With their background and history, I’m very grateful for the experience. I applied custom finishes throughout the interior of a Japanese wedding chapel(53 by The Sea) as well as the exterior in Kakaako, Hawaii. This project included shimmering metallic plaster ceilings with Marmorino plaster walls and a raised plaster scrolling detail with gold leaf accents. Though these are very special projects, I still love doing subtle accent areas. Creating and installation is my passion, and often, I collaboration with designers, architects, and clients for wonderful results.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Years ago I started out in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area, and business just took off because of the demand, and I was one of the few already established. After many years, I relocating to Honolulu, and it was tough. So many people move there with a dream though usually only lasts about 1 year. Locals are waiting to see if you’re staying since warranties are important and to see if you respect the land and culture. After 18 months, my phone started ringing…with amazing offers for projects. I remember working on a custom jewelry store(Native Hands) in Waikiki, and a Friday night parade started with fireworks galore and I had a moment when I realize this was really happening. Often in Hawaii, the locals don’t care where you came from, they only care about who and what you are now. It’s tough to break in but once you make it, Hawaii takes care of you. Moving to Dallas is similar as well. Good people with a real passion for design, craftsmanship and loyalty. With that loyalty it can be a challenge breaking in, but it’s important to remember that each artists offer something slightly different than someone else with the same title. Sure, custom paint or plaster may seem straightforward but like a painting, every stroke and texture can very slightly.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I started MUSU ART with my vision of what I loved and what was needed in the design world, inspired by a little bit of what I had experienced. Though often simplicity is required, I’d rather not just follow what’s common. Often a slight alteration in movement, texture, or a simple stroke can define someone, and that’s all I really focus on. It’s worked for many years, and that is defining. In the early years, Faux finishes just took off. As most of us know, installers were everywhere and it fizzled out on some level. I still do many custom finishes that are much more refines and extremely appropriate. Some finishes just have new names like “Lime Washes,” which originally was done on natural plaster but ultimately and color washes…. like faux finishes. I also glaze woodwork showing contrast, as well as gold, silver, or copper gilding. Either of these work on some level with many design themes. For quite a few years now, I’ve been installing all-natural plasters like Venetian Plaster, Marmorino, and Tuscany and sometimes applying glazes or lime washes over them. With some necessary steps, they can be installing on both interiors and exteriors, showers, or throughout entire projects.
From across the street, many of these finishes my look similar from various artisans but up close is what’s really important, and that’s usually where our work shines. Details are everything… or at least they should be.
How do you define success?
Success has always been defined by me as doing the best you can do with what you’re given, and the rest will follow if you’re respectful and honest. I feel blessed that I’ve seen so much in this world thanks to my passion in my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.musuart.com
- Instagram: MUSU ART
- Facebook: MUSU ART
