Matt McCormick
On a hot Tuesday afternoon, at the end of this summer, Finley picked me up from work and we coasted down the 101 to Downtown LA. Driving to our first meeting with Matt, we guessed many things, how long it would be, would he be interested or brush us off as just another interview? What we could not have guessed was how wonderfully easy and beautiful a conversation we would have. Matt’s studio is large, with big windows to let all the natural light in, his two dogs lying on the cement floors. I noticed his tattooed arms and his quiet disposition that makes one immediately trust and like Matt. He is about the work, and he is ready to do it, but never at the end of anyone else's gun, he paints what he paints because it is what makes him happy, when it no longer does, you bet your ass that Matt will be somewhere doing something else. We certainly hope that day does not come soon… We hope you enjoy the images and words of our friend Matt.
What is it that you create?
I’ve been creating an ongoing narrative that engages an autobiographical dialog that takes the form of paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, film, writing, books, clothing and whatever else I can visually affect.
Tell us about your youth, what parts of it come out in your work?
I grew up in Northern California with two artist parents. We spent a lot of time at the beach and in the mountains. I was definitely an “outdoor kid”. Making art was highly encouraged, but more than just making art it pushed me as child to start reading life with an eye to translate my surroundings into visual representations.
How did creating like this all start?
It was just another thing you did; you read, you write, you create. It wasn’t until I got a little older that I realized that wasn’t the case for everyone’s upbringing.
Who helped shape who you are now as an artist?
The list could go on for a while, but first and foremost would be my father, but like any shitty rebellious child I rejected that at a certain point and had to learn and discover on my own. As I said, a lot of my art stems from personal experiences and the narratives I’ve created for myself. I had to go learn by watching other artists from up close and afar. I’ve tried to be as much of a sponge as possible and just observe all aspects and also trust my own instincts, which can be very hard.
In your initial search for your medium, what were some things you explored before you found what you loved, or are you still searching?
Oil painting is definitely my number one, theres such a history to it that its very easy to romanticize. That being said, I would never want to be chained to one medium. I spent a bunch of years working with tattoos which has very interesting connotations to it. Recently released a self published book of photographs and writing which was an eye opening experience. At the end of the day my goal is for whatever I work on to have “my flavor” or look, and if the viewer can tell I made it without being told, then I would say I succeeded.
How did your parents feel about you chasing this dream?
They’re super proud and supportive, they did the same thing.
What is it that you create?
I’ve been creating an ongoing narrative that engages an autobiographical dialog that takes the form of paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, film, writing, books, clothing and whatever else I can visually affect.
Tell us about your youth, what parts of it come out in your work?
I grew up in Northern California with two artist parents. We spent a lot of time at the beach and in the mountains. I was definitely an “outdoor kid”. Making art was highly encouraged, but more than just making art it pushed me as child to start reading life with an eye to translate my surroundings into visual representations.
How did creating like this all start?
It was just another thing you did; you read, you write, you create. It wasn’t until I got a little older that I realized that wasn’t the case for everyone’s upbringing.
Who helped shape who you are now as an artist?
The list could go on for a while, but first and foremost would be my father, but like any shitty rebellious child I rejected that at a certain point and had to learn and discover on my own. As I said, a lot of my art stems from personal experiences and the narratives I’ve created for myself. I had to go learn by watching other artists from up close and afar. I’ve tried to be as much of a sponge as possible and just observe all aspects and also trust my own instincts, which can be very hard.
In your initial search for your medium, what were some things you explored before you found what you loved, or are you still searching?
Oil painting is definitely my number one, theres such a history to it that its very easy to romanticize. That being said, I would never want to be chained to one medium. I spent a bunch of years working with tattoos which has very interesting connotations to it. Recently released a self published book of photographs and writing which was an eye opening experience. At the end of the day my goal is for whatever I work on to have “my flavor” or look, and if the viewer can tell I made it without being told, then I would say I succeeded.
How did your parents feel about you chasing this dream?
They’re super proud and supportive, they did the same thing.
Your work is often images that people know from pop culture or just life in general, floating, drifting in an undefined space. What is it about these symbols that stick to the canvas?
They give us information. The last few years has been about personal growth, and I need to review the past to look to the future. It helps me to look at other peoples experiences, whether they happen to pop culture icons or not to learn. I use all this to make the work and select the imagery, what the viewer does with that information is wide open.
Would you do anything else with your life if this didn’t work? Where do you hope to be in ten years?
Theres a few other ideas, it’s hard to imagine something that doesn’t involve some level of creativity, but thats a broad use of the word. I love designing spaces so something with interiors as always interested me. Hopefully 10 years down the line I’m still doing the same thing I’m doing now, just at a much larger scale and continuing to grow as a person and an artist.
What are your biggest influences, movies, music, artists? What is your favorite part of California?
I don’t think anyone has time for me to list all of that. I’ll say that in the past week: I’ve been listening to Chet Baker, The Highwaymen, Leonard Cohen, The Stranglers, Pixies, Grateful Dead, and King Tubby.
I’ve been looking at Lucien Freud, Cy Twombly, Mike Kelley, Barnett Newman, Kasimir Malevitch, Francis Picabia and Martin Kippenberger.
I’ve watched Mean Streets, Easy Rider, Two Lane Blacktop, William de Kooning: Artist
My favorite part of California is the Northern Coast where the Redwoods meet the Pacific Ocean.
Did you ever seriously consider giving up?
No
Chuck is a California magazine, what is it about this state that is so different from the rest of the country?
I have a project with Vincent Haycock where we are exploring this exact topic, but in short it encompasses so many different cultures, landscapes, and industries into one state one because of its massive side but also because of its tolerance to new and outside ideals and thinking.
Tell us about the horses, we love them.
They are one of the most majestic creatures but also have been used for work, travel, companionship and so much more.
More From Issue 02
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW IN ISSUE TWO
