Artist Matthew Aaron Sloan paints his visions into reality; Crème Magazine caught up with Matthew to find out his influences and his process.

Name: Matthew Aaron Sloan

 
 
Crème Magazine: How long have you been doing visual art?

Matthew Aaron Sloan: I have always doodled and scribbled on notebooks and such during classroom lectures as early as junior high school. I didn’t get serious and commit to putting imagery on canvases until January of 2009, even though I had always wanted to do so. It was a hobby that I needed as a distraction as I went through tough times of divorce and burnout of a career.

 
Crème Magazine: Which piece of work is one of your most favorites?

Matthew Aaron Sloan:  My favorite piece would be that of my best friend’s rat terrier, Sammy. The piece is called Sambrero. It was a birthday gift I gave to my best friend’s wife. What was surprising was the reaction I received from guests at her party. I was told by a couple of professional photographers that I was really good at painting and that I needed to continue doing it. Receiving those compliments after only two months of “serious” commitment gave me confidence in what I was doing. That kept me motivated and inspired me to pursue art as more than just a hobby.

Finish these sentences;
 
My greatest art influence is - Bob Ross from PBS. That carrot-top-afro nature painting ninja was and still is an icon that reminds me of my childhood past. It was a Sunday morning ritual for my family and I to watch him create a stunning Alaskan landscape and anticipate where he would place that famous tree. Bob Ross was so chill that he could take a tree and plop it right in the middle of what was stunning landscape and literally, if not purposely block some of his best work to turn around and say, “There are no mistakes, just happy accidents!” And yet somehow the paintings for the most part were still amazingly beautiful. I also like Andy Warhol because of his use of bold colors and repetition.

Modern digital technology can spit that stuff out with the click of a button, but to master it using lithography was a tedious and laborious task that he truly owned. His style has been the greatest impact on my portrait work that I refer to as camouflage. It is a series of blotches, more or less, that when combined create a pop art modernistic punk-rock interpretation of people.

 
My art would best be described as -- paint-by-numbers with a modern edge. There are far more technical painters out there that can simulate a photograph with incredible detail, but I prefer to use fluid shapes that create an identifiable image that is more subconsciously placed than that of a calculated precision. Often times I step back from a piece of work and wonder how it happened. Another way to explain it would be the more I think about it, the worse I perform. Once I zone out and let loose the artwork becomes more of a feeling to me and just ends up happening.

         
 
I received my first big break -- with the generosity of Gladymir Leveille featuring me in his magazine Crème. Thanks a million. This is an incredible honor. You are my launching pad to an incredible dream and when I reach the stars you know far well you are invited on the rocket ride. Thanks again!!!
 
One can purchase my art-- by simply contacting me at 702-358-3228. I have a website that is scheduled to launch in August of 2010. The site will highlight pieces that have been commissioned and the purpose for which they have been created. My artwork at this point has been very personal to the individual for which I paint it. However, I would love the opportunity to create a series of works that the entire world could relate to and enjoy.
 
If I had to choose between being an artist and choosing another profession-- I would be a general contractor building casinos on the Vegas Strip. Oh wait… been there, done that. Now it’s time to pursue my dreams and use my inherent talents to change the world.
 
Crème Magazine: Finally where can we purchase your artwork and check out your latest masterpiece? Just type in www.masartvegas.com in your browser and I’ll see you online.