Check out Matthew Smith’s Artwork

Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Smith.

Matthew, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I have been training in a martial art, To-Shin Do modern Ninjutsu, for the past 15 years. I started in 2003 studying with Michael Stinson at the Phoenix Quest Center, now Quest Martial Arts Chandler. I am always on the path of bettering myself with whatever I put myself into. I have spent the past 8 years, since leaving my work with the Disney Cruise Line, training in personal protection and security. I have continued my growth in martial arts by researching online videos, researching hand to hand combat tactics from various videos and books available, and taking the time to realize my own potential. I started Entoshi Grips with the chance to give everyone a way to personalize their own training weapon, and have the feel of a more traditional style sword. I started this business in June of 2018.

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?
What I do is create custom hand wrapped training sword handles, or Bokken handles, for martial artists. I utilize materials that are very similar to the traditional style of wrapping used for Katanas, Wakizashi, or Tanto blades. There is a myriad of colors to choose from on the grip that goes under the cotton wrap for an even more custom feel and look to the bokken. This grip can increase your hold on the bokken to extend your training time. Most bokken come from the retailer with a solid wood handle, and this handle has no texture to it or wrapping. The handle wrapping that I provide increases the ability for your hands to sweat, but not lose your grip. I am giving the message of just because you’re in an industry that is difficult to express your individualism, you don’t have to conform to the standard status quo. Stick out, be different, and show your inner personality in your training tools. My artwork is hand wrapped. I spend anywhere from 1-3 hours on a single item at times, to ensure that the wrap is done correctly and evenly. The cotton wrap is called “Ito” (ee-toe), and is modeled after the process of wrapping a katana handle.

Do current events, local or global, affect your work and what you are focused on?
The role of the artist hasn’t changed, but the ability of the artists have. Today there are so many different forms of media outlets with art. It ranges from music, painting, dancing, vlogs, blogs, various forms of writing, speech, and acting. It is becoming easier to discover what kind of artist you are, and you aren’t thinking that “Art” is only what is being painted on a canvas. I don’t have any real interaction with events that could change my own personal expression, but I don’t know if it never will.

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 work is available online at www.EntoshiGrips.Com and the photos of current work are always available to see on Instagram @Entoshi_Grips. The best way to show support is to place an order and they can select if they want a cotton wrap or upgrade it to a leather wrap for your very own training tool. I have a few different options available, and they are all posted on the website.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.entoshigrips.com
• Email: EntoshiGrips@hotmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Entoshi_grips/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Entoshigrips/
• Twitter: Entoshigrips

Image Credit:
The images are courtesy of Entoshi Grips.

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.