Art & Life with Matt Josef

Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Josef.

Matt, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Born & raised in Oklahoma, I’ve had my hands in creating art my entire life. I had a dream and vision of my life in the big picture way at an early age. Knew I would be making art for the rest of my life.

Knew it would require crazy focus and big sacrifices to get there. Dedicated my life to it at 15, vowed to not have a family, wife or kids until I could fully support them on art alone. I knew 40 hours a week was considered full time, I wanted to be a full-time artist so I committed to at least that from 17 on regardless of what part time work or odd jobs I had to take on in the coming years.

I’ve spent more than fifteen years now honing my personal style, experimenting with a variety of techniques, mediums & subject matters. A self-taught artist, I’ve had over thirty studios throughout CO, NM, OR, OK, WA & AZ. I currently have my main studio based in Jerome Arizona. I travel as much as possible to chase stories and adventures to fuel and inspire the art.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am a contemporary western artist that specializes in large scale acrylic paintings. Starting with the blank canvas, I must rid my mind of all distractions, worries must not exist. In my mind’s eye there is only paint. When I look at a blank canvas I don’t see shapes, lines or subjects. I see emotions and energy. Until I begin to mix colors I don’t have much of an idea of what I’m making. It’s about syncing my energy with that of the painting to be. I believe every painting I create is ready to be painted long before I touch it. The painting is waiting for me to get right.

The process really is to start with a composed mess. Mix some colors with no plan in mind. listen to my gut with each move I make as layers splash, splatter, drip and run. Controlling the mess just enough to help guide it in a direction. Then as the layers progress ill see what needs to happen more and more.

I blend the worlds of contemporary abstract with traditional western imagery. The dream from the get go was to create anything and everything that comes from within, without limitations of size, space or finances. To live life to the fullest. And to inspire others to do the same. I hope my art has a timeless feel and calming or inspiring effect on people.

The heart behind the art is to impact lives & make a difference locally & globally. To partner with organizations in everything from clean water projects, equine therapy, orphanages, art education, etc. The long-term goal is for my art career to build a horse & art ranch in the mountains. To provide facilities, relationships, tools & resources to make dreams into realities for countless individuals.

What responsibility, if any, do you think artists have to use their art to help alleviate problems faced by others? Has your art been affected by issues you’ve concerned about?
I’m not sure if our role has changed or not. I think that each artist should create from their heart beat. Each of us has always had and always will have a role or purpose while on this planet regardless of what time period you live in. It is up to each of us as individuals to do our best to create the best work we can and give back as much as possible to our communities and the world we live in.

I believe we live in a unique time filled with all the tools and resources at our fingertips that we could ever need. So, we have potential to reach more and accomplish more than ever before. Although I’m completely open to world events and issues to influence some work in the future, currently they do not have a direct effect on my work.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can see finished works and contact information on MattJosef.com
follow travels and works in progress on FB and Instagram.
https://www.facebook.com/mattjosefart/
https://www.instagram.com/mattjosef/
I will be in Scottsdale Arizona from January 11th through March 24th 2019 at Arizona Fine Art Expo. Booth #98/99.

Contact Info:

• Address: Jerome Arizona
• Website: www.mattjosef.com
• Email: matt@mattjosef.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattjosef/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattjosefart/

Image Credit:
Atalanta Kirk

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.