Work in Progress…

Original Cut Paper Art 48 x 21″

I’m experimenting with oil pencils on the black tea-stained walnut backboard. Hope you enjoy.

Original Cut Paper Art 20 x 16″

Original Cut Paper Art 16 x 20″

Original Cut Paper Art 20 x 16″

Original Cut Paper Art 20 x 16″

Original Cut Paper Art 16 x 20″

Original Cut Paper Art 16 x 20″ SOLD

Original Cut Paper Art 16 x 20″

Original Cut Paper Art 16 x 20″

Original Cut Paper Art 14 x 11″

Original Cut Paper Art 14 x 11″

Original Cut Paper Art 14 x 11″

Original Cut Paper Art 11 x 14″

Original Cut Paper Art 11 x 14″

Cut Paper Art Stop Motion from Matt Hill on Vimeo.

You get a sneak-peek at one of the new pieces – even mounting on the new Plywerk panels.

Original Cut Paper 11 x 14″ [SOLD]

Original Cut Paper 11 x 14″

Original Cut Paper 14 x 11″

Original Cut Paper 14 x 11″ [SOLD]

Original Cut Paper 11 x 14″

Independence Day from Matt Hill on Vimeo.

Original Cut Paper 32 x 21″
Background – mixed media charcoal and matte black spraypaint

Some people deal with conflict differently than others. Neither is right, but it happens nonetheless.

So earlier this week I had an idea about hanging the show – both a theme and a method. No framing, naked paper. But how to do it without damaging the pieces? Lomo to the rescue. Yes, Lomo.

They sell these amazing little plastic Fotoclips and they also opened a store in downtown Manhattan! Perfect. So, I dropped by on my way to a party in Brooklyn and… voila! Here are the results:

A massive show with 33 pieces on exhibit.

The show theme is Naked Paper, and I’ve even hung pieces that normally would get a black backing open over the wall. The interesting things are that they a) have a yellow wall – so how it shows against this will change throughout the day organically and b) they stand off the wall a little bit so some shadowcasting happens.

I’m excited to see how this experiment works out. There was lots of interest from coffee lovers while I spent two hours hanging the show.

OPENING

I will be having an opening on Friday, 2/20/09 from 5:30 – 7:30pm. All are welcome to come! It will also be part of Tarrytown’s Third Friday, an art happening every month. You can just drop in or RSVP on Facebook.

7 Main St, Tarrytown, NY MAP

Here is another look at the outside of Coffee Labs Roasters, sandwiched between Lefteris (awesome Greek food) and Tarrytown Music Hall:

Original Cut Paper 17×14″

We all have the tools with which to defeat the agonies in which we place ourselves. Sometimes they get misplaced. Sometimes we forget we are standing there, slack-jawed, with the tools in hand staring down turbulent maelstroms as you approach…

Original Cut Paper 14×17″

Sometimes… sometimes… people just couldn’t be more different.

Original Cut Paper 14×17″

Serenity sometimes comes wearing strange disguises.

Original Cut Paper 17×14″

Fishing for ideas?

Original Cut Paper 14×17″

A whisper, followed by a sigh… a secret is born.

Original Cut Paper 4×4″ (not for sale)

Sometimes you just gotta think good for good to be.  I’m sure this should become a series (grin).

Original Cut Paper 17 x 14″

Sometimes I think so hard my brain fills up with eggs full of ideas… swimming around, thinking, gestating.

Original Cut Paper – 17 x 14″

Felicity

• S: (n) felicity, felicitousness (pleasing and appropriate manner or style (especially manner or style of expression))
• S: (n) happiness, felicity (state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy)

Contentment is often a happy feeling, but bears a double-edge. Felicity sounds wonderful, but “appropriate” has a dangerous ring to me… especially regarding whose beliefs “appropriate” is satisfying :)

Original Cut Paper (not for sale)

This was part of a magical day of growth, full of happy thoughts, music, art and enlightenment… and freedom from former beliefs.

Stop Motion Test #2 – Cut Paper – MattHillArt.com from Matt Hill on Vimeo.

Original Cut Paper – 40 x 28″

Plagued by color, stifled by shape, Talon sweeps through the atmosphere. To hue, or not to?

Details:

Original Cut Paper 25.5 x 20″

Rita: What’s wrong with you?
Jack: Let me think about that. I’ll let you know next time I see you.

The Darjeeling Limited by Wes Anderson

Wes is a marvel. He is the master of the slo-mo dolly shot loaded with moments, looks and gravity. But he is also the finest filmmaker that can celebrate dysfunction in an accepting manner, instead of passing judgement. A toast to Wes!

Sweet Lime is such a wonderful description for the turmoil in Jack, embodied in Rita and the moniker Francis gives her.

Original Cut Paper 14 x 7.25 “

Prance, little dreams, prance.

Original Cut Paper 25 x 34″

Arms lay down, webs dispel.

Original Cut Paper 20 x 20.5″ (Celebration! 100th piece)

Details:

Deeply rooted, twisted and tangled by what he touches, the Baron is a safe harbor for dreams, receiving them in his city-mind.

Original Cut Paper 12 x 12″ (Not for Sale)

When invited to dinner and it’s suggested to bring flowers, what would you do?

Original Cut Paper 20 x 25.5″ {This one was too big for the scanner – so the image quality may not be optimal. Disclaimers aside, second piece on black paper.}

We all know the drill. Grow. Grow harder. Grow up. Rest up for a bit. Grow some more. Somewhere along the line the concept of age got tied to this whole process. They are not exclusive partners.

Tunes note: I had every intention of beginning one of my new ideas and posting some original music for your listening pleasure while looking. It’s a bit late right now, so instead I will share this with you: I was listening to Department of Eagles while cutting tonight and it was sublime. If you’ve ever heard of the incredible Brooklyn band called Grizzly Bear, you already know one of the musical geniuses behind Department of Eagles – Daniel Rossen. Albums I listened to tonight: The Whitey on the Moon EP, Gold Suits (Please treat yourself to watching this video of “No One Does it Like You”), Johnny Glaze Christmas (Classical Snatches and Samples a go-go), and from Grizzly Bear – Horn of Plenty (the remixes).

And you may hear more about Grizzly Bear… I just discovered they are touring with Radiohead later this year. AND, I just discovered a sold-out show with Paul Simon and Gillian Welch at BAM in 2 weeks. Sigh…

Original Cut Paper 13.5 x 7.5″

On one side, the past. On the other, the future. In between lies the parting.

Original Cut Paper 13.5 x 7.5″

I usually dislike Dickens, but this seems to work perfectly:

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way–in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.

Original Cut Paper 9x 12″

Birthday gift for my dear friend Karma. Shhh – it’s a secret.

This is my first piece done on black paper, with some awesome backing paper I found while paper shopping at Pearl in NYC.

Original Cut Paper 14 x 17″

 Lotus linger, delicate singer – the dreams that lie beneath the scene. 

Original Cut Paper 16 x 36″ Framed

There is a power to Japanese Kanji characters that is quite bold, yet sublime. Freedom is much the same.

Original Cut Paper 14 x 17″

This one was named live during the first recording my my new podcast, OnCreativity. Check it out for a peek into my creative process.

Original Cut Paper 8 x 8″

One in the oven, just full of potential for good things in the future. Hehe, not me! Good friends of mine are expecting any day now…
Got my fingers crossed for you guys! Love, life and joy.

Original Cut Paper 17 x 14″

Winter in my new home has been more mild than I expected. But those winds are blowing now… cold is coming in.

Original Cut Paper 14 x 17″

Winks and blinks and curvy paths for dreams to follow.

Original Cut Paper 14 x 17″

Somehow the closer you get, the magnitude of “small things” grows disproportionately large.

Original Cut Paper 14×17″

To prevail in the face of adversity is joy.

Original Cut Paper 14×17″

Ephemeral. Fleeting. Light is intangible… but it can be held.

Original Cut Paper Mask

“Tikkun Olam is a Hebrew phrase that means ‘repairing the world’ or ‘perfecting the world.’ ” [link] plus is a belief held by one of my very best friends. This mask is a gift for his birthday, and a big thank-you for being a genuine, helpful person making a difference.

Original Cut Paper + Photoshop addition of background color

Dress your holiday with love and peace.

Original Cut Paper Mask

Original Cut Paper Mask

Original Cut Paper 14 x 17″

Second mask I’ve made so far. These are really fun!

Original Cut Paper 14 x 17″

By request, the Phoenix is released.

Original Cut Paper 14 x 17″

Just open up and let it out. Sing loud.

Original Cut Paper 14 x 17″

Original Cut Paper 14 x 17″

Original Cut Paper Art 14 x 17″

“And now’s the time, the time is now” – Robert Plant

Original Cut Paper Art 14 x 17″

Hark! Wings don’t bark, they proclaim. D-Lish.

Original Cut Paper Art 14 x 17″
Cut live for an audience at the Wine and Food Affair Nov. 3-4 in Healdsburg, CA.

You get what you give. Be it love, receive love. Be it hate, receive hate. Be it confusion…

Original Cut Paper Art 17 x 14″
Cut live for an audience at the Wine and Food Affair Nov. 3-4 in Healdsburg, CA.

One of my new friends I met in Cali asked if I could design some ink for him. Assignment: tree, roots important, likes willows.

Original Cut Paper Art 14 x 17″
Cut live for an audience at the Wine and Food Affair Nov. 3-4 in Healdsburg, CA.

Don’t ask. I don’t know.

Original Cut Paper Art 14 x 17″
Cut live for an audience at the Wine and Food Affair Nov. 3-4 in Healdsburg, CA.

While I was enjoying the deep-fried polenta with creamy gorgonzola sauce from Cafe Citti (Kenwood, CA), my new friend Star was buzzing around taking photos of the birds in Healdsburg. I was just doing my thing, cutting, and she kept bringing back her camera, showing me all the cool birds within blocks of the Tasting Lounge. Thanks for all the birds, Star. Here are some of them back.

Original Cut Paper Art 14 x 17″
Cut live for an audience at the Wine and Food Affair Nov. 3-4 in Healdsburg, CA.

At the time, I did not know I was tapping into The Fountainhead, thought I was just feeling the moment, making a strong face. But now that I’m about 40 pages from finishing the book again, I realize it can be no one else.

Original Cut Paper Art 17 x 14″
Cut live for an audience at the Wine and Food Affair Nov. 3-4 in Healdsburg, CA.

I’ll admit I was heavily influenced by my surroundings while creating this piece. My good friends behind the bar in the Tasting Lounge @ Thumbprint Cellars very skillfully kept my wineglass up-to-date on what was the toast of the moment. I was inspired :)

Original Cut Paper 14x 17″
Cut live for an audience at the Wine and Food Affair Nov. 3-4 in Healdsburg, CA.

A hint of Gucci, some Teutonic overtones, with a dash of stinging memories of being in control…

Original Cut Paper Art 17 x 14″
Cut live for an audience at the Wine and Food Affair Nov. 3-4 in Healdsburg, CA.

Fortune smiles at those who smile back.

So I’m in San Francisco last night, and my friend says we’re invited to a Halloween party. What to do? Create a mythic legend! In just an hour, Sujamo the Destroyer was born!

Original Cut Paper 14×17″

What is that? I think I like it. Get ready… Pounce!

Original Cut Paper 14×17″

Is strength beauty, or simply beautiful?

Original Cut Paper Art 14×17″

Sky cow is wicked bad. A genie wearing leather. Tricksy sort. Sea Pig, and his sidekick AfroFin, are jus’ kickin’ it, shouting manta rays. You know, the usual. Wonder what’s going to happen next?

The framing is selected, and work is in progress to prepare my art for it’s first public showing! The photograph does not really do it justice! So, you’ll just have to come see it for yourself :)

One thing of note that I failed to mention earlier is that some of the proceeds from the sale of my work will be donated by Scott and Erica from Thumbprint Cellars to a local charity – The Art Bus (a.k.a the Imagine Bus Project North).

Also of note is that I am bringing all originals to this show. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see what my work looks like in it’s primary form, not after a scan (as it is on this site).

Original Cut Paper Art 14×17″

Everything has meaning and purpose. I love music, and that is enough.

Original Cut Paper 14×17″ [Original SOLD]

Time is out of our control, but patience is not.

Original Cut Paper Art 14×17″

Original Cut Paper 14×17″

While listening to Radiohead’s Hail to the Thief , this guy slithered and slinked out from the knife’s edge. He looks ready to steal someone’s heart or mind, so I thought it proper to let the inspiration become its title.

Original Cut Paper 14×17″ Available Conservation-Framed.

Original Cut Paper Art 14×17″

It’s either a corny joke or a serious statement. You decide.

Original Cut Paper Art 14×17″ Available Conservation-Framed.

Everyone needs a mental vacation once in a while… why not make it happy hour?

Original Cut Paper Art 14×17″ [SOLD]

Freedom is delicious; happiness is of your own making. Swim in it, fly through it, enjoy it. Be.

Celebration! My 50th piece :D

Original Cut Paper Art 17×14″ Available Conservation-Framed.

Partridge: The new action hero. Joshua: tree.

Original Cut Paper 14×17″Available Conservation-Framed.

As a special treat, I made a time-lapse video while creating this. Some have asked me how I do this, so here is your chance to take a peek into how it’s done, compressed into the space of one minute. And, yes, I wear sporty wristbands while working ;) [Let the comments on that one roll in...]

Original Cut Paper Art 14×17″ [SOLD]

This one came violently, raggedly, stutteringly… almost torn from the page. I think it’s time the Phoenix falls to ash, awaiting rebirth.

Original Cut Paper Art 14×17″

Peek into the process:

Original Cut Paper Art 14×17″Available Conservation-Framed.

A meniscus likes its shape, and will return to it, even after repeated pokings. What is fragile on the surface is often stronger than it seems.

Original Cut Paper Art 14×17″ Available Conservation-Framed.

Potentially potent. Maybe just overwhelming.

Original Cut Paper 14×17″ Available Conservation-Framed.

A special card for newborn Esmé