Daily Inspiration: Meet Matt Maes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Maes.

Hi Matt, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Definitely, I’ve been captivated by storytelling since before I can remember. My parents would read to me and once I was old enough, I would regularly tear through books like they were going out of style. The image of the sword was imprinted on my mind as a hero’s extension towards a noble purpose; I would receive my first one at a very young age and still love them.

Naturally, games like Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time greatly appeal to me, and it was during one such afternoon at 7 years old, weaving through digital dungeons that my entire life would shift. My best friend at the time suggested we take a break and moved up into the attic, where I was presented with a pencil and paper for the first time. With the cover of Mario 64 in my hand, I steadily moved the pencil to try and emulate Mario with a flying cap over a castle. I felt like I was flying and knew from that moment that I wanted to experience that feeling again and again, forever. I’ve only recently realized how the pencil became my sword pointed directly towards a journey of creativity.

I’m grateful to both my parents for realizing and cultivating my affinity for art. This urge has led me to experiment with multiple mediums and outlets like airbrushing, tattoo design, 3D modeling, and more. Still, nothing else makes me feel quite at home like the intimacy of physical drawing and painting. I’ve definitely grappled with the knowing that I wanted to do something meaningful with my art but had yet to discover what it may be.

My life changed yet again when I watched Joseph Campbell’s ‘The Power of Myth’ interviews with Bill Moyers on Netflix. The way he spoke about myth and symbolism as reflective of the human experience flung my eyes open to a world of richness, wonder and meaningfulness. The pilot light had been irrevocably switched on, to find a home through the lens of my art. The most rewarding feeling for me is the look on someone’s face when they can find something in the art which really speaks to them. I’ll never stop being grateful to be a vessel for making moments like this possible.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I can tell you what I struggled with for sure (and I know this is also true for so many artists in general) is lack of clarity transitioning from doing it as a hobby to going pro. By the way, that’s not to say there’s anything wrong with being an amateur if that’s someone’s desire. After all, the word ‘amateur’ actually means to engage in an activity for the love of the craft. For myself, I’ve learned that it’s possible to reconcile what you love to do with a deep yearning to make a living from it.

My biggest wakeup call was when I was vending at an event on 16th St. At the time I didn’t have a vehicle and hauled my setup in a Lyft (there and back), and sold nothing. I’d paid $200 for 2 days there and didn’t even bother to show up for the second day. I’d participated in a few less than fulfilling shows before then but that one felt like a real gut punch. I realized that I would need to readjust before approaching shows again. My hardest and most valuable lesson has been learning that it’s not all about me, it’s about what’s made possible through the art. It certainly helps to come halfway towards the people you’re trying to reach. I’m most inspired when I see people who’ve made it despite hardships because you can point to them and say “Someone broke through. It is possible.”

One of my focuses over the last couple years has been applying my art to different forms like tapestries, t-shirts, now greeting cards, and hoodies very soon. My fiancé Helena has been immensely supportive in helping to refine, flesh out ideas, in general being a powerful asset in many ways. Our shared passion for archetypes and human connectedness have led us to form “Immersive Art Meditation” a.k.a. ‘I AM’, a convergence between visual art and guided meditation. Coming from a spiritual background and being licensed in Shadow Work, she’s been able to craft some deeply cathartic and meaningful group visualizations. We use what we’ve dubbed a ‘Journeyer Journal’ to reflect on symbolic representations coming through the art in relation to individual lives. That’s the most rewarding part for me, seeing lights come on for people that help us to gain more understanding for our experiences.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ve been obsessed with art since I discovered drawing, and that’s what’s responsible for any creative merit that I have. Everything I’ve learned, any technique I know comes out of trait curiosity. We all have our different things that make us come alive, mine is art. When it comes to translating what I see in my head onto canvas, I’m absolutely uncompromising. When people ask “How do you know when it’s done?” My answer is simply when all I want to include has been laid down, even if it takes a few 100 hours to get to that point. I’m grateful to have learned to value patience in the process. I don’t mind how many years it may take to reach my goals; the way I see it I have the whole rest of my life to see it through.

My previous series ‘The Edge of Myth’ has set the pace for my current path and has been foundational to where I am now. It’s a seven-part psychological and spiritual journey featuring archetypes from world myths, each representing aspects of the Hero’s Journey. I met Helena less than a week after I completed the last piece and it’s been a key point of bonding between us and our shared mission.

I think as an artist, looking at what draws your attention is a big indicator for your personal style. I get so deeply absorbed into artists like Salvador Dali, Frank Frazetta, M.C. Escher, Alex Grey, Frida Kahlo, Luis Royo, Octavio Ocampo, Christopher Lovell, or Hokusai who are able to pack in so much definition. As for music artists infused into the flavor, my top favorites are Tricky, Steve Vai, Tool, Nightwish, Qntal, Goldie, Opeth, Man of No Ego, Azam Ali, Foo Fighters, and Heilung. I’m gonna move on from this now before I think of anyone else to add.

I’m currently working on a goddess series, “Visions Beyond the Glass” featuring archetypes from across the world expressing their unique gifts. I’m currently about halfway through the 11-part series. My aim is to represent what makes each one unique and meaningful. That’s a tricky line to walk, staying true to the lore through the aperture of personal style.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
The most important thing to me is letting the creativity come through in ways that make a difference in the world, in both my life and those around me. I wish for people to be able to find what they’re seeking in the art and for myself a life of art, romance with my queen, abundance, adventure, and deeply connected relationships. I’m happily assured each day of walking along the path of my destiny and knowing this gives me the internal fuel to do the work necessary to build it.

Pricing:

• Tapestry: $100
• T-Shirt: $50
• Immersive Art Meditation session: TBD
• Greeting Card: $8
• Commission: Ranges from $100’s to $1000’s depending on complexity – Color and level of detail multiple cost per square inch.

Contact Info:

• Email: matt.qkstudio@gmail.com
• Website: quantumkeyholestudio.com
• Instagram: @quantumkeyholestudio
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/913541595880213
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnbjWNTzxoz5QBEu8jtmrSQ/videos
• Other: linktr.ee/qkstudio

Image Credits
Todd Powers
Noah Mittman
Jeff Maes