Matt Allyn Chapman ’08

Activities: Associate Director: Pentimenti Gallery, Philadelphia; Guest Curator: The Shipley School, Bryn Mawr; Professional Exhibiting Artist

Teaching Philosophy: When we make art, we’re really asking “how do we communicate with others through marks made on a surface or through objects in space”. This is a difficult thing to teach. So I ask, “How do I communicate with myself through these same means?” The communication with others follow.

Where is your hometown/where did you grow up:

Westminster, Maryland

Prior work experience/ current:

Associate director of Pentimenti Gallery, Philadelphia PA, 2015-2016

Adjunct Instructor of Drawing in the Foundation Department at PCA&D 2015-Present

Specialty project artist for 2 Dudes Painting Company, Lancaster PA. 2017-Present

Professional Studio Artist. 2008- Present

When did you first become interested in art/do you have a specific memory that you associate with this:

I knew from an early age that I wanted to become an artist, drawing in the margins of my schoolwork, and never leaving home without my sketchbook. I have very supportive parents, but it wasn’t until I met my Art Teacher, Christine Wenderoth (a PCA&D alumni) during my Senior Year in high school that I was truly encouraged to work toward this goal. She showed me that my drawings could take me somewhere, and I was ready to go.

What kind of art do you make /what is your favorite medium to work in:

I work professionally in the realm of Geometric Abstraction. Using shape, color and hard edges paired with organic gestures to create drawings & paintings that speak to observed happenings of life, as well as those happenings that are subtle and sometimes challenging to define. Though I love drawing and sketching from life, and continue to hone those skills in my sketchbook. I really enjoy using acrylic paint, graphite, and inks.

What is your favorite thing(s) to do when you aren’t making art:

When not making art, I am preparing for an upcoming exhibition, cooking excellent meals, gardening or outside on a trail with my wife, developing my archery skills, rummaging through record stores, running the WashHouse Sketch Club (a weekly sketch club based in my studio), and finding a few moments to dive into the Elderscrolls Skyrim (the best video game of all time…Destiny is a close second). Oh! and throw some episodes of Futurma and Adventure Time in there for good measure. There is so much more too.