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
M. BENJAMIN HERNDON STUDIO
M. Benjamin Herndon
[2016, MFA Printmaking]
Based in Providence, RI
M. Benjamin Herndon’s RISD Craft Gallery
My prints and drawings feature abstract imagery in the vein of Minimalism, but with a tendency toward organic, natural forms. The drawings are handmade graphite paint and silverpoint on watercolor paper, and appear like solid masses of black until they’re illuminated, at which point they reveal rippling textures caused by hundreds of individual silverpoint lines and/or polished graphite fields. The prints carry these concerns into their medium-specific qualities, such as lithographic tusche or the vibrating line of characteristic of drypoint.
What are some of the most important practices for your creative process?
Experimentation within my self-assigned-parameters of materials and processes is always a guiding feature in my work. For me, the question “what will happen if…” is often what sustains my creative pursuits, and has lead to exciting discoveries as well as inevitable dead-ends.
How does your current creative practice tie into your time spent at RISD?
Many of my drawings and prints that will be available during Craft come directly from processes I first discovered through research as a graduate student at RISD and have since been refining. As a faculty member in the RISD printmaking department, I find some time when not helping students to make a few prints of my own in Benson Hall.
Tell us about some of your main sources of inspiration.
I’m always inspired by the interaction of nature with the built environment, such as the geometries created by sunlight moving across architecture, and mossy stonewalls in forests. These visual indications of time are calming and meditative, as well as being formally interesting and often beautiful. I also find great inspiration in the history of art, particularly 20th century Minimalism and many centuries worth of Japanese design and architecture.
Any recent press, exhibitions, achievements or awards you’d like to share with us?
I’m looking forward to my first solo exhibition of paintings this fall at A R E A Gallery in Boston.
To see more of Benjamin’s work, visit mbenjaminherndon.com
