On White Rock road, just opposite Brackenridge, is the home and studio of Matt Guild who lives there with his lovely wife Lydia wife and two children. Matt is one of the very talented artists who live and create in Martinborough. I was very privileged (as a wannabe artist myself) to visit Matt and see his paintings.
His studio, named The Red Barn is a light filled space, with furniture designed and made by Matt, just another talent of this clever man.
A quote on Matt’s new website www.mattguild.com states “I have always loved drawing and painting. Even from an early age I could only dream of doing what I am doing now. I consider it a gift and one that I am blessed to be able to share with others.”
His delight in his craft was evident in his conversation with me. He trained as a social worker and then taught art in Dunedin. His pupils would ask to see his work so that started him on the path to a career as a full time artist. After spending 6 months at the Learning Connection under a tutor/mentor who encourages and guided him, he realised that it could be possible for him to pursue his dream.
That dream has been a reality for 7 years now. A very exciting new development is an exhibition in London as part of the Taste of Aoteoroa ….Matt has got together a wonderful team to present New Zealand on a plate, glass and easel. With Paul Mason from Martinborough Vineyards and Lucy Cruickshank of Innov8 providing beautiful NZ cuisine. We wish them every success and know that they will represent New Zealand but more importantly, Martinborough, in an awesome way.
Starting off with mainly landscapes Matt found the Wairarapa provided plenty of inspiration. His early works included the iconic Shooting Butts Road sign, rural letter boxes, old farm vehicles and other rural scenes, gentle rustic illustrations of the country way of life.
He then moved into Kiwiana and who would have thought such everyday items like Watties tomato sauce, cans of spaghetti and the good old milkshake could become paintings alive with light and colour (and for me evoke memories of my teenage years at the milk bar).
Matt uses only the best quality materials and works in oils and water colours, with amazing results in both mediums. His recent works are showing a sense of humour, providing some very interesting depictions of the Buzzy Bee.
Matt has now developed a range of screen printed T-shirts and aprons depicting the purchaser’s choice of artwork. He also has range of very popular prints of his work. The studio is open by appointment so check out the new website and get yourself a wonderful piece of unique NZ art.
Gay Reed
Artists in Martinborough is a new feature in which Gay Reed will talk with Martinborough’s many artists.
