Creativity comes in all shapes and sizes and that's something we really appreciate here at 'PRESS'.
Mat Dubé is a local artist with a very unique perspective, he channels that perspective into his work and what appears at the end is something almost surreal. We sat down with Dubé to ask him some questions about his work and his upcoming show. (photos and time-lapse video after the interview)
Is there a message behind what you do/your work?:
I would like to think that there is! Depending on the body of work, I’ve explored a variety of subject matters including the subconscious, the human condition, the environment, technology and consumerism. As cliché as it may sound, I think that my work is basically a reflection of the world around me. I always feel a bit uncomfortable though trying to explain to people what my artwork represents. I prefer not to impose my interpretation onto the viewer. I love seeing what people come up with when they look at a particular piece. Sometimes it’s completely different than what I had envisioned, but all together just as valid. This reluctance to explain myself might also be because I believe that my work should be able to speak for itself; meaning that it should be able to stand on its own, and not depend on a lengthy explanation mounted on the wall next to it.
What inspires you?:
The main thing that inspires me or that gets me working on something, is simply the fact that I’m completely nuts! Ha!ha! I’ve had this inexplicable and uncontrollable urge to create ever since I was a little kid. Besides basic bodily functions, whatever art project I’m working on is what occupies my mind most of the day. I make art that is visually appealing and that means something to me. If other people like it, that’s a bonus.
What can you tell us about the unique aesthetic of your drawings/sculptures?:
I’m absolutely fascinated by the intricacies of human anatomy and facial expressions. I think my work will always be somewhat figurative but I really enjoy warping the proportions, exaggerating the features and placing the characters in abstract environments. Maybe these elements come together to create something unique.
Are you currently showing at any galleries or will be in the future?:
Yes, I have some work at The Ottawa Art Gallery/Art Rental and Sales and at the Fall Down Gallery on Bank and Somerset. Both are great spaces with lots of talented artists. Definitely worth a visit! I also have a big solo show coming up on June 21st 2012 at The Ottawa Art Gallery/Art Rental and Sales. I’m putting all my energy into this for the next few months. It’s going to be an awesome show!
How would you like to see your work grow?:
Well I think, or at least I hope it’s always growing and evolving. Lately I’ve really been wracking my brain trying to come up with something entirely different. I wanted to develop a truly unique aesthetic. After about a year of exploration and experimentation, I think I might be on to something interesting. I just need to keep at it. You’ll have to come to the show on June 21st to see how it turns out..
You can join Mat Dubé’s Facebook artist page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mat-Dub%C3%A9-SculptorArtist/218851954795803?ref=tn_tnmn
To check out more of Mat Dubé’s work http://www.matdube.com
Time-lapse video http://vimeo.com/36387642
(photos provided by Mat Dubé)
