ARTIST ARTIE MATTSON FEATURED IN STAF MAGAZINE

EIGHTEEN O FIVE IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT GALLERY ARTIST ARTIE MATTSON IS FEATURED IN STAF MAGAZINE, A FREE INDEPENDENT MAGAZINE AND PUBLISHING HOUSE BASED IN MALAGA, SPAIN. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ARTICLE OR SCROLL DOWN FOR THE ENGLISH TRANSLATION . 

Illustrated stories with maximum detail, filled with objects and characters without any empty space, so are the works of Artie Mattson. Artie’s drawings invite us to imagine thousands of funny and unusual stories. With her dedication to detail and whimsical style she is able to bring out the child within.

My name is Arlene Jo Mattson; I acquired the nickname “Artie” in high school because I was an artist. I was born in Washington DC. We moved to California when I was nine. I am a formally trained artist with a BA degree in art and a teaching credential from California College of Arts & Crafts in Oakland, CA. I married Jan Mattson while we were in college. We had five children, four boys and a girl. Since finishing college, we have resided in Encinitas, CA. Jan taught all four boys to surf. He felt that, living near the beach, surfing is a necessary social skill as well healthy activity that can be enjoyed together. My twin sons Jared and Jonathan of the “Mattson 2” turned Staf Magazine on to my art, which is how I came to your attention.

How did you get into the art, craft, photography, or illustration world…?

After graduating from college, I taught in elementary schools in the San Diego area. I also taught art to children of faculty and staff at University of California San Diego. While raising my children, I began to exhibit and sell my work in galleries and at various art events. I am currently a member of two galleries in the area and show regularly.

How would you describe your work or your creations?

I draw with pen and ink, then color the drawing with colored pencil. My method is spontaneous with no pre-sketching, just straight from the pen to the paper. I start with something I want to draw, such as an old house or a ship, but once I get going anything from a Japanese sumo wrestler to a train wreck can enter the picture. Often friends and family are represented, usually as cats or alligators. The flattened space and busyness gives all the characters and things equal value and encourages the viewer to take time to explore the drawing.

What are you trying to achieve with your work? Do you think that art-photo-crafts can still change the world in some way?

I am trying to share my world with others. I am telling a story with pictures. My drawings are made just to enjoy from a positive perspective. I cannot possibly solve the difficult problems that face mankind today, only God can do that.

What is the most extravagant idea that you have done (artistically speaking)?

The fact that I have developed an unconventional style that challenges the idea that serious art has to look serious.

One reader wants to visit or to move to your city. Which are the best and worst parts of your city? Why?

The best is the beach, the surf, and the mild climate. The worst is that it has become so crowded, especially in the summer. And we live in earthquake territory, plus the San Onofre Nuclear power plant is too close.

Do you focus on other activities, as well as your art? Where do you find the motivation and inspiration?

I spend fifteen to twenty hours a month in a volunteer work. I join with millions of fellow Jehovah’s Witnesses who are diligently working worldwide to help people learn about the true god Jehovah so they can live forever in peace on earth.

Could you tell us your working methods and time schedule?

I sit a draw or color almost every day. I have a simple setup: a drawing board, Strathmore drawing paper (usually 24”x36”), ink pen, hundreds of colored pencils; and I sometimes use a light table for repeating images. I am left-handed so I begin at the bottom right and work to the left. Each piece takes dozens of hours.

What do you think is the destiny or the future of human kind?

I believe in a bright future for mankind and the earth with one world government under Christ’s rule where all people will live in harmony and prosper as our creator intended.

What projects are you currently working on and what do you want to do in the near future?

I am always working on the next drawing; no artist’s block. My next project is to make a book of my drawings.

 

Artie Mattson's works on paper are now available at Eighteen o Five.

Eighteen o Five is located on 1805 Columbia Street, San Diego, Ca 92101.