Matt Linares: mattlinares.com
We've known Matt Linares for five years and it's undeniable that he is one of the nicest people on Earth. With this in mind, it's perhaps no wonder that feels the desire to create new worlds, and in turn inhabitants of those worlds, in his paintings. When you're one of the nicest people on a planet, the experience of someone being kinder to you than you are to them is probably very rare.
His work represents an intriguing blend of Bradburian science fiction, ancient mythology and a plethora of cultural references.
Matt fills beautifully rendered landscapes with creatures, robots and human characters engaged in the pursuit of imaginary discoveries.
His work represents an intriguing blend of Bradburian science fiction, ancient mythology and a plethora of cultural references.
Matt fills beautifully rendered landscapes with creatures, robots and human characters engaged in the pursuit of imaginary discoveries.
What do you love most about the place you live? How does it influence your work?
I've been living in Portland for 5 years now and it still feels new to me. Ever since I moved here I have been very influenced by the nature in this area and have incorporated the scenery into my work. Also, living in a place that actually has seasons is a nice experience for me. I like the rain because it's good painting weather. The artist community is great here and keeps me on my toes. I think it's important to be surrounded by creative people, which Portland has a lot of.
I've been living in Portland for 5 years now and it still feels new to me. Ever since I moved here I have been very influenced by the nature in this area and have incorporated the scenery into my work. Also, living in a place that actually has seasons is a nice experience for me. I like the rain because it's good painting weather. The artist community is great here and keeps me on my toes. I think it's important to be surrounded by creative people, which Portland has a lot of.
What inspires you to make art? Can you tell us a little bit about the influences and inspirations behind this particular body of work?
I'm really into astronomy and have always had a fascination with looking to the stars for new worlds. I like to imagine what another planet would be like and who would inhabit it. One of my favorite things about painting is being about to create anything you want. The paintings in this series have elements from everyday life and our experiences, set in a dream-like environment. There are a thousand stories in every piece, but I leave it up to viewer to create their own interpretation.
If there is an over-arching message behind your work, how would you describe that message?
I wouldn't say that I try convey any specific message. I just aim to help the viewer explore possibilities and their imagination with my work.
I'm really into astronomy and have always had a fascination with looking to the stars for new worlds. I like to imagine what another planet would be like and who would inhabit it. One of my favorite things about painting is being about to create anything you want. The paintings in this series have elements from everyday life and our experiences, set in a dream-like environment. There are a thousand stories in every piece, but I leave it up to viewer to create their own interpretation.
If there is an over-arching message behind your work, how would you describe that message?
I wouldn't say that I try convey any specific message. I just aim to help the viewer explore possibilities and their imagination with my work.
If you weren’t an artist, what would you do with your life?
Its hard to imagine my life without creating artwork. If I wasn't an artist, I'd like to think I'd be doing something that allows me travel and explore new places.
Do you listen to/watch any form of media while working? If so, what is it and how does it influence your process?
I need music while I'm painting. It's actually a very important tool for me when I'm coming up with new ideas. The feelings I get from different songs gets filtered into my paintings. I listen to a bit of everything. Lately electronic, hip hop, classical and reggae have helped get the creative juices flowing.
Its hard to imagine my life without creating artwork. If I wasn't an artist, I'd like to think I'd be doing something that allows me travel and explore new places.
Do you listen to/watch any form of media while working? If so, what is it and how does it influence your process?
I need music while I'm painting. It's actually a very important tool for me when I'm coming up with new ideas. The feelings I get from different songs gets filtered into my paintings. I listen to a bit of everything. Lately electronic, hip hop, classical and reggae have helped get the creative juices flowing.
If you had a time machine would you go backwards or forwards?
As much as I'd like to go back in time, I'd have go into the future. The Unknown is what excites and scares me. I'd like to see what becomes of us.
Extrovert or Introvert?
A bit of both but like many artists I lean more to the introvert side. I like to be out and about but I'd rather be spending my days in my studio, and with my family.
Outer space or deep sea?
This a no brainer for me... Outer space! I want see if any of my worlds are out there. I'd love to be able to float in space with enormous galaxies in front of me. Plus, there's so much more to explore in space.
As much as I'd like to go back in time, I'd have go into the future. The Unknown is what excites and scares me. I'd like to see what becomes of us.
Extrovert or Introvert?
A bit of both but like many artists I lean more to the introvert side. I like to be out and about but I'd rather be spending my days in my studio, and with my family.
Outer space or deep sea?
This a no brainer for me... Outer space! I want see if any of my worlds are out there. I'd love to be able to float in space with enormous galaxies in front of me. Plus, there's so much more to explore in space.
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