Michael Christopher Matson (MCM) is a Texas artist whose practice includes glassblowing, metal sculpture, ceramics, printmaking and drawing. He began his career working in the neon sign trade with the family that constructed the Pegasus in downtown Dallas and later attended Southern Methodist University, where he earned a BFA, graduated magna cum laude, in printmaking and sculpture. MCM moved to west Texas in 2017 to begin Spade Studio and Gardens: a studio dedicated to art and nature. Spade Studio and Gardens practices and promotes gardening and beekeeping. MCM is known for his extensive understanding of materials, processes, monumental sculptures, dramatic lighting displays and technical range. MCM seeks to produce an otherworldly experience through art:
"I am interested in monumentality and amplifying it with light. I see light like sound that can be turned up to capture the spectator. One cannot turn away; the work owns and dominates the space. Ultimately, I seek to produce works that speak to the natural world and inspire one to dream. In west Texas I found a greater purpose, I feel like I am doing something real with my life: I use my art to promote nature and my nature to promote my art." (MCM)
EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE:
BFA Printmaking/sculpture Southern Methodist University-Magna Cum Laude 2010
Dallas County Community Colleges, Dallas, Texas. August 2005-2007
Ed Waldrum’s School of Neon, Dallas, Texas, March 2001-April2004. (Teacher).
Neon Specialist, Richardson, Texas, May 1990-August 1992. (Apprentice).
AWARDS:
CRLA: Advance level tutor certification in mathematics
Full Academic Scholarship Southern Methodist University
Investigating Maya culture exploration grant (Guatemala)
Honor Roll list of distinction: Southern Methodist University
Artist Residency: Patzaquel, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, Central America
Alumni Spotlight Southern Methodist University 2024
SKILLS:
Years of experience in art handling, installation and curation
Specializing in cold cathode lighting, drawing, intaglio, ceramics and metal sculpture
Video, editing, new media and marketing
MIG and TIG welding aluminum
Casting metals, slip casting mold making processes
Neon glassblower with 30 years experience
Specializing in rare gas mixtures utilizing xenon gas
Vacuum forming plastics and vacuum process
Beekeeping
Film:
Bomb City (2017)
Neon lighting and sculpture: Ruby Red Labyrinth. Neon
Fuck. Neon and The American Beast. steel. Used in film.
Public Works:
This Way Up. Steel. 12'. Abilene TexasBiennial with James Surls and Jeff Brewer
Stephen F. Austin University, William R. Johnson Coliseum Team Tunnel and Lounge. 2022.
Hearts and Minds, Abilene, TX. 11x12'. 2021
SoDA District Wayfinding. Abilene, TX. 40' 2019.
Regina Wheat Sculpture. Saskatchewan, Canada. 21’. 2012. Teaming up with Venue Arts and StraightCircle Designs. I designed a vacuum system capable of fabricating 13’ plastic parts for monumental public sculpture.
American Beast. 20’ 2011.
ART HISTORY SPECIALTIES:
Olmec, Epi-Olmec, highland, lowland and Northern Maya cultures, Ancient Greece
INVOLVEMENT:
Kidscapes 2011-2014
Head art teacher
Teaching art processes to children affected by HIV
Phi Theta Kappa 2007-(present)
Art Exhibitions
2024 This Way Up. Abilene Biennial. Other finalists: James Surls and Jeff Brewer. Abilene, TX.
2016 Illumination of Beauty: pairing artist and shooter. Sterling Steves/MCM. Dallas, TX.
2013 Steel and Light. Kirk Hopper Fine Art. Dallas, TX.
Art on Henderson finalist Biennial. Dallas, TX.
Aurora Dallas. Night of Light. Steel Sculpture.
2012 Goss-Michael Foundation. Water-Thirst Group Show. Damien Hirst. Curated by Aja Martin
2011 Kirk Hopper Fine Art. American Beast Group show, Dallas, Tx.
Aloft. Group show. Dallas, Tx. Curated by Susan Roth.
2010 Euclid Art House by Ro2art. Group show. Dallas, TX.
Curated by Susan Roth.
End of Commerce Show. Dallas. TX.
Curated by Susan Roth
Ideaman Studios. Transformation through Destruction solo exhibition.
Dallas, TX. Self-curated
University of Dallas, Printmakers and their Professors, Irving, TX.
Curated by Juergen Strunck
2009 Daimler Financial Systems, Experiencing Perspectives, Ft. Worth, TX, one-year
exhibit, Curated by Leila Matta
Craighead Green Gallery, New Texas Talent, Dallas, TX. Group Show
Curated by Charissa Terranova.
Doolin Art Gallery, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX. Group Show.
Curated by Michael Christopher and Leeanna Morris
Dallas Center for Contemporary Art, Dallas, TX. Group Show
Curated by Joan Davidow
2008 Dallas Center for Contemporary Art, Dallas, TX. Group show
Curated by Joan Davidow.
2006 Dallas Center for Contemporary Art, Dallas, TX. Group show
Curated by Joan Davidow.
Plush, Dallas, TX. Group show
Curated by Suza Kannon
Old Jail Art Center, Albany, TX. Group show
Curated by Margaret Blagg
2005 Dallas Center for Contemporary Art, Dallas, TX. Group show
Curated by Joan Davidow.
Club One, Dallas, TX. Solo exhibition entitled “MesMerize”.
Curated by Suza Kannon.
2004 Irving Blvd.Gallery Dallas, TX. Group show.
Curated by Suza Kannon.
Dallas Center for Contemporary Art, Dallas TX. Group show
Curated by Joan Davidow.
2003 Dallas Center for Contemporary Art, Dallas, TX. Group show
Curated by Joan Davidow.
2002 500x, Dallas, TX. Group show.
Dallas Center for Contemporary Art, Dallas, TX. Group show
Curated by Joan Davidow.
2001 DVAC, Dallas, TX. Group show
Old Jail Art Museum, Albany TX. Group show.
Curated by Jolene Magota
Links
2019 https://www.reporternews.com/story/news/2019/08/15/wayfinding-sign-points-way-abilene-soda-district-pallette-purpose-artist-michael-christopher-matson/2018589001/
2014 http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/30000-Worth-of-Sculptures-Stolen-in-Dallas-260198871.html
2013 http://glasstire.com/events/2013/05/22/michael-christopher-matson-steel-and-light/
2011 http://www.kirkhopperfineart.com/justbetweenus.html Modern Luxury Dallas, “Eye to Watch.”
http://www.moderndallas.net/junemattinglyspecialeyetowatch.html
2010 Pegasus News magazine, Dallas, Tx. http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2010/dec/01/audio-slideshow-smu-michael- christopher-sculptor/
Art Residence
Patzaquel Atitlan Art Residency, Guatemala, Central America