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 biodynamic gardening and beekeeping. MCM is known for his extensive understanding of materials, processes, monumental sculptures and dramatic lighting displays. 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
SKILLS:
Years of experience in art handling, installation and curation
Specializing in cold cathode lighting, drawing, intaglio, ceramics and metal sculpture
Highly proficient on PC and Mac operating systems
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
Film:
Bomb City (2017)
Neon lighting and sculpture: Ruby Red Labyrinth. Neon
Fuck. Neon and The American Beast. steel. Used in film.
Public Works:
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
INVOLVEMENT:
Kidscapes 2011-2014
Head art teacher
Teaching art processes to children affected by HIV
Phi Theta Kappa 2007-(present)
Art Exhibitions
2016 Illumination of Beauty, Dallas, TX.
2013 Echoes, Aurora, Dallas TX.
Steel and Light Kirk Hopper Fine Art. Dallas, TX.
Art on Henderson Finalist, Dallas, TX.
2012 Goss-Michael Foundation. Water-Thirst-group show. Dallas, TX.
2011 Kirk Hopper Fine Art. The American Beast, Dallas, TX.
2010 Aloft. Group show. Dallas, Tx. Curated by Susan Roth. Euclid Art House by Ro2art
2009 Ideaman Studios. Transformation through Destruction solo exhibition. Dallas, TX.
University of Dallas, Printmakers and their Professors, Irving, TX. Curated by Juergen Strunck
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.
2008 Doolin Art Gallery, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX. Group Show. Curated by Leeanna Morris and MCM
2006 Dallas Center for Contemporary Art, Dallas, TX. Group Show Curated by Joan Davidow
2005 Old Jail Art Center, Albany, TX. Group show Curated by Margaret Blagg
2003 Dallas Center for Contemporary Art, Dallas, TX. Group show Curated by Joan Davidow.
Old Jail Art Center, Albany, TX. Group show Curated by Margaret Blagg
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