Matt Schieren Matt Schieren

Artist's Statement

Do you think anyone ever forced de Kooning to write an artist's statement? 

I just felt like doing this and my hands guided me.

_______________________________________________________________________

My paintings begin as automatic line drawings on canvas. Using this framework I pick and choose specific shapes to refine the overall chaotic nature of automatism focusing on how the hard edges interact with each other and the negative space. Recently I've been experimenting with smearing these shapes, destroying the calm negative space and precise edges.

Drawing inspiration from artists such as Gerhard Richter, I dislike definitions and formality that come pre-packaged with traditional art education. After close to a decade of painting, I'm still not sure what I want from art, but I've learned to accept that which I cannot explain.