Contemporary fine artist, Matt Stewart, has made a name for himself with his strikingly distinctive pop-meets street style. His bold creations have been welcomed into the homes and lifestyles of people all over the globe - with a burgeoning fan base spanning from Melbourne to London to New York.
We caught up with the prolific Brisbane creative not long after he arrived home from a trip to Europe. We spoke with him about his passion, his inspiration and his plans for the future.
What does Matt Stewart find inspiring?
I am actually inspired by almost everything! Architecture, design, fashion. They all play a big part in how I plan and produce my bodies of work. I think that art should be able to follow trends also, if the artist stays true to their style.
So how would you describe your style?
My style is actually really hard to label, as it takes influences from many areas of art. It was once described as “Pop art with a street art edge” and I think this is probably pretty close to what it is.
Who is buying your art?
Interestingly, it’s mostly females who are investing in my work (88% to be precise). Women seem to like something different and bold on their walls.
Do you think that’s why your iconic Indian Headdress piece has been so popular?
Without doubt. My Indian Headdress piece has a very vulnerable yet strong presence, so many woman can relate to this. The bright pops of colour on the feathers also work well as a feature piece in a room.
Do you feel artwork is an important part of a home’s interior styling?
I do. Never underestimate the power that a well chosen piece of art can have to a room or space.
What are you currently working on?
I’ve just returned from meetings in London and Paris. I’m planning exhibitions there next year. I also have some new limited edition prints coming in soon, and a three month waiting list of artwork orders! I’m currently painting 3-5 pieces a week to keep up with demand.
Tell us about your new studio.
The new studio is great. It’s at Newstead. It is large in floor area and has super high ceilings, so it is perfect for what I need. Clients are asking for larger and larger canvas pieces all the time and now with this large studio, I can comfortably work on several of these (2m x 2m and larger) pieces at once. It is an artist's bliss!
Why did you choose Newstead?
My life is here! I live in Teneriffe and have done so for nearly 10 years now. My wife has her successful hair salon in Teneriffe also, so we very rarely leave the Teneriffe/New Farm bubble. It is vibrant, exciting and energetic… the perfect place for my studio!
What’s next for Matt Stewart?
I am about to launch a new brand that is aimed at the children’s market. It is my style, but with age appropriate imagery. It’s for the client that wants an artwork that is cool and unique for their child's room.
What advice can you give people about buying artwork?
My best piece of advice when buying art is, buy what you LOVE and not what you think you should have. Whether it is $10 or $10,000 it doesn’t matter. You have to love it and live with it, and in turn, enjoy it!