MATTHEW FINGER
Matthew Finger
[1991, Illustration]
Based in Pawtucket, RI
Matthew Finger’s RISD Craft Gallery
The art in this body of work explores color, texture, and form through a variety of media– I call the work ‘assembled paintings’. By repeating various forms (often circles) I try to draw the viewer into the form through symmetry and the juxtaposition of colors, textures and shapes. The various forms within each painting are treated and painted separately and then reassembled in a puzzle like fashion. The finished work is then layered in resin lending it a glassy, tile-like feel. the pieces tend to work well in series or small grids. I find inspiration in the world around me from the worn patina of an antique toy to the colors found on a worn sidewalk or manhole cover. Candy labels and various vintage graphic design ideas also provide endless inspiration for this art.
What are some of the most important practices for your creative process?
I’d say letting go of control a bit and listening to your gut. Letting materials work naturally and really create without preconceptions. I find when I’m able to get to this point in my work, good things happen. Discipline, taking risks and a solid work ethic are truly important.
How does your current creative practice tie into your time spent at RISD?
RISD was such a complete immersion in the creative process. The four years breathing in this creative environment prepared me to take the art I create to such an intense level. I learned to question everything in regards to the work and at the same time to hone my skills and let things become instinctual. The work and time spent at this great school allowed for pure focus on becoming the artist I am today. There was also the pure joy in learning along side many great artists and professors.
Tell us about some of your main sources of inspiration.
I find inspiration in the world all around me from worn graphics on an antique sign, the weathered patina on a manhole cover, the graphics on a candy wrapper and even the colors of children’s toys. Much of the work is also inspired by nautical objects like boat hulls and nautical flags. I filter all these inspirations into what I hope is something new itself and that in the end can convey something original and beautiful.
Is there a work/body of work that you are particularly excited about sharing with us at RISD Craft this year?
Working with materials like chip board,spray paint, acrylic paints, resin, and gessoed papers, I created a body of work that explores color and texture through repeated forms. As the work has evolved, I’ve slowly scaled the art up from 5.5 inch square paintings to 3 foot square paintings. As the pieces get larger, I’ve notice the art takes on a different energy. I am honestly the most excited I’ve ever been about being an artist and so curious as to where this career will take me next.
Any recent press, exhibitions, achievements or awards you’d like to share with us?
One of my paintings receive second place in the mixed media category at the 2017 Warren Art Festival. I’ve also the pleasure of having my work on sale at RISD WORKS.
To see more of Matthew’s work, visit instagram.com/mattfingerart
KRISTEN GOSSLER
Kristen Gossler
[1989, Painting]
Based in East Providence, RI
Kristen Gossler’s RISD Craft Gallery
I am exploring the viewers interaction with the everyday experience through the expression of light and shadow in their environment.
What are some of the most important practices for your creative process?
1. Walk into the studio Daily!
2. Expose yourself to “the now” see every show you can – go down every alley (i mean real alley’s) and view everything as art
3. Draw from scientists, writers, musicians and chefs….anyone breaking new ground where fresh ideas live
4. Work
5. Evaluate
How does your current creative practice tie into your time spent at RISD?
The most important intellectual muscle I developed relates to the act of pushing through during that moment of resistance. Its at that moment that you have an opportunity to learn something. Push through…..
Tell us about some of your main sources of inspiration.
If I had to go out on stage and paint the same painting over and over for an audience, I would lose my mind. Watching how those artists remain relevant always informs my work. Additionally reaching back into time….like when we thought the world was flat, informs my work in a different way. Trying to experience the fear and unknown and really try to put my headspace back to a time when to eat and be clothed was a challenge, when spoken word was the news and you really had to feel that something was important to express it….what was that time like? It makes my daily struggle literally feel like butter. 🙂
Is there a work/body of work that you are particularly excited about sharing with us at RISD Craft this year?
Yes, my most recent exploration of light and shadow on the mundane.
Any recent press, exhibitions, achievements or awards you’d like to share with us?
RISD Unbound, Providence, RI: April 2018
Barrington Arts Festival, Barrington RI: June 2018
Show in the Hutson Gallery, Provincetown: June – Sept. 2018
Solo exhibition in Jamaica Plain Branch Library, Boston: Sept. 2018
To see more of Kristen’s work, visit kgossler.com
DWRI LETTERPRESS
Dan Wood [1994, Printmaking]
Alums also at DWRI:
Lois Harada [2010, Printmaking] +
Hope Anderson [2013, Printmaking]
Based in Providence, RI
DWRI Letterpress is a custom letterpress shop based in Providence, RI. We specialize in fine art edition printing, stationery, pencils and paper goods. DWRI is a team of three RISD alumni balancing traditional letterpress techniques with a contemporary aesthetic.
Tell us about some of your main sources of inspiration.
I’ve always been interested in multiples and began working as a press operator in commercial offset lithographic printing for ten years after art school. I was also printing my own work on letterpress presses at the same time and founded Garbaszawa Press in 1994 to print a mix of letterpress and offset books and print for myself and other artists. I reestablished the business in 2002 as DWRI Letterpress focusing solely on commercial letterpress printing. There are so many printers and printmakers who have inspired me along the way, but particularly artist’s like Saul Steinberg who worked on that line between fine art and world and the world off mass production.
Is there a work/body of work that you are particularly excited about sharing with us at RISD Craft this year?
We’re excited to debut our new line of cards for all occasions or just everyday. We’ve also got some great new notecards and stationery sets as well as some editioned art prints from shop and in collaboration with local artists.
Any recent press, exhibitions, achievements or awards you’d like to share with us?
We had a spotlight feature in the summer in the Providence Business News. It was a great platform to share our work and has led to some interesting follow up calls.
Dan has had work featured in Art in Print, a publication specializing in fine art printing. His print “Emanuel 9” has also been purchased by Wheaton College.
Hope completed a stunning animation for local band Mountainess earlier this year. Doe-Eyed Nightling is available to view online and Mountainess performs with a recently released side scrolling animation also designed and produced by Hope.
Lois completed a show at World’s Fair Gallery of two color letterpress prints in June.
To see more from DWRI visit dwriletterpress.net