Matthew Scholle is a mostly
self-taught artist and author. He primarily uses pen and ink or
pencil as his medium, but occasionally he explores with charcoal, oil pastel,
watercolor, or mixture of them all. He also works in digital formats
creating promotional art.
Most
recently, Matthew has completed a children’s book that he wrote and illustrated. The book, Story
of a Robot Man, is being sold on Amazon.com and
there is an opening reception with him at Gallery Veronique in The Shops at Harper’s Point on October 21st
from 5-8:30pm and on the 22nd from noon to 4pm.
Location: Bright, Indiana
Website: http://artofscholle.blogspot.com/
On the Drawing Table: Commission Piece (Pen and Ink Tree)
Coming out soon: Good Question….
How did you get
your start as a professional artist?
Well,
here is my story. I used to draw all the
time when I was young. I would hang out
with friends and we would draw comics or whatever. But after I graduated and started working I
rarely drew. I may have drawn once or
twice a year, maybe less, other than the occasional doodle at work or
something.
Then,
when my son was very little, he and I would draw at the kitchen table. It wasn’t long until I remembered my drawing
past time and I started to use it as a stress reliever.
In
2008 I met a local gallery owner and we became friends. Then an Artist friend of mine was doing some
really amazing work so I took some of his work into the gallery. The owner liked his work, but for some reason
the owner was more interested in my work.
One thing led to another and about a year later I found my drawings
hanging on the walls of the gallery. It
literally changed my world, I couldn’t believe that I was in an art gallery,
and when the art started selling I was really shocked.
Describe your
work.
I will
tell you about what I want in my pieces.
My number one goal is to strike the feeling of nostalgia in you when you
see it. I don’t think I hit my goals
very often, but that’s not really for me to judge. I guess I think about the illustrations from
the old classics (books), when you leaf through the pages and you see these
etchings depicting the text. I love
looking at all the details and each stroke of ink, and that’s what I want
others to do when they see my work.
But
back to the question; I would describe my work as pen and ink drawings; mostly
monochrome and focusing on the smallest details.
Tell about your
workspace.
Like
most things in life, my studio space is a work in progress. I like creating art in an inspirational place,
so I have designed it the best I can to do that. I am going for a “Sherlock
Holmes” look.
A few
things to note:
My
drafting table. I have wanted one of
these from the time I was like 10 or 11 years old.
I had
the top built from a local lumber yard, brought it home and finished it. I designed the top with a series of
rare-earth magnets, so I can hold down the papers with long steel bars.
I used to use a kitchen table, but my back
would start to hurt pretty quickly. Drawing sessions only lasted 30 minutes
before I had to stop. My new studio is
much more comfortable.
It’s
definitely my favorite part of the studio.
To the
right is my supplies shelf, complete with some books, a vintage radio, and a
chest full of art supplies. I feel like
a treasure chest, like this one, is a must; remember Dan Mihuta art chest show
on PBS?
To the left is the long term storage cabinet. I used to store larger pieces under the bed, but dust, and the possibility that it could get damaged, kept me up at night. I really wanted a blue print cabinet (map cabinet) but they are so expensive and take up a good deal of room. So I started designing my own solution just how I wanted it. I had a local craftsman build the cabinet and then I painted it and built the filing system inside.
 |
| Photo Studio |
What are your
favorite materials digital and traditional?
My
favorite materials are definitely paper, pen and ink. Although I do like to play with digital art.
I end
up doing a lot of digital these days….
What’s your
typical workday/work session like?
I
usually draw on weekends and occasionally on week nights if I have time. Generally 1 hour sessions at a sitting on the
weekends, and up to 3 of them. I am
pretty good at just sitting down and getting right back to where I left off,
prepping my supplies and cleaning up.
What do you do to
keep yourself motivated as you work?
Not
really sure what drives me to keep doing this.
I like seeing the work afterwards I guess. I think maybe what motives me is the love of
doing it, and just getting my mind off other things.
What is your dream
job?
I used
to think there was a “Dream Job” out there, but I am not so sure these days. Finding my “Dream Job” has been like a
rollercoaster. “I’m all over the place” Every time I think I know what I want
to be when I grow up, I change my mind.
I do like telling stories, so if I could make a living doing that, I
would.
Do you keep a
sketchbook?
I
do… but I am not very consistent at
keeping it up and I switch between books all the time, drawing in the one that
I feel like playing in at the time.
What do you listen
to while you work?
Mostly
movie soundtracks and that feels like a nerdy answer. Usually I try to find
some fitting music to the scene that I am working on.
My son
is a pianist so he is my other form of listening pleasure. His piano is in the studio space. You can’t go wrong with live music.
What are you
reading/listening to on Audible?
Currently… Nothing.
Last
Audio book was: The
Master and Margarita By: Mikhail Bulgakov
Who are your
artistic influences?
Hmm… Ok here is my list:
What do you do
that is not art related that inspires you?
I am
the father of a really, really great son. He is very much my inspiration. Also, I’m inspired by memories of my
childhood, nature, and stories.
What was the best
advice you got in your career so far?
In
regards to art, someone once told me: “You are not everyone else; no one
creates exactly like you. So stop comparing yourself to everyone else.”
I think
for a new artist, and artist’s trying to make a living at it, or just doing it
for fun, could use this advice. It’s hard to not look around at everyone else’s
work and think…. “I’m not good enough” or “Mine doesn’t look like that” We all need to remember, you are not
everyone else, and you have your own unique perspective to offer.
What is your
favorite color?
How can we best
follow your art online/on social media?
Two
Ways:
Blog:
Facebook:
@ArtOfScholle
Nice interview Matt! (errr...Matthew...)
ReplyDeleteVintage Industrial Antique Drafting Tables with Cast Iron Base. Bring enduring style into your office with a vintage drafting table or desk.
ReplyDelete