kudzu, poplar bark, driftwood, copper, paperclay
Matt Tommey
Every 1 2024 / May 7, 2024
Untitled
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_880,h_1200/https://nationalbasketry.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tommey_untitled-1-880x1200.jpeg)
H: 23" | W: 10" | D: 9"
Photo by artist
Matt Tommey
Lindale, TX
I find both the materials and the inspiration for my work in the embrace of tangled vines and the whisper of the forest floor. Each piece, a journey from the raw to the refined, celebrates the transformation of the overlooked into the cherished, embodying the alchemy of creation. Rooted in tradition yet distinctly contemporary, my work since the early 1990s blends traditional weaving with unconventional materials like vines, bark, clay, metal, and wax. This fusion crafts sculptural objects that speak the language of nature with a modern dialect, reflecting a deep respect for the environment while exploring innovative expressions. My artistic process is a reverent dialogue with the earth, selecting materials not only for their uniqueness but also for their ability to tell a story of renewal. By incorporating southeastern invasive species, encaustic/cold wax, and recycled metals, my recent pieces offer a nod to tradition while charting new territories. Each creation begins with a walk in the woods, an act of seeing potential in the hidden, where the weaving is not just a technique but a revelation. Through this intimate connection with nature, I strive to encapsulate the essence of movement and the beauty of the natural world, inviting the viewer into a narrative of rebirth and beauty rediscovered.