Unexpected Guests: Matte Stephens.

Each week, I just get more and more excited about the guests we've be able to meet up with. This week is a real honor for me, as I am a huge fan of the fabulous artist, Mr. Matte Stephens. Maybe it's the era I grew up in, but his paintings really resonate with me, and give me a strong feeling of warm nostalgia. It's like George Jetson meets Dick van Dyke, and although they are cartoon-like with a retro feeling, they have much more to them, and I feel, offer such heart. Matte's paintings always have a charming, dignified air about them. I have several of his prints and goccos and they all just give me a cool, light and happy feeling.

Matte's from a small town in north Alabama called Boaz. He says he was like an alien as a kid there (oh, how I relate to this!) and never fit in, so he left and traveled around for several years and eventually found himself back home in Alabama, where living is a bit more affordable for an artist.

Not only is Matte a really talented artist, I get the feeling that Matte is a pretty gentle and kind person, too, very much inspired by his lovely wife, muse and best friend, Vivienne. Not to mention the many animals he and Vivienne care for and share their home with. I can just tell, he's one of the good guys. Matte points out to me that Vivienne worked in a Vintage clothing shop for seven years, so she is super stylish, and he "dresses like Humpty Dumpty". I think Matte must be wrong about that last bit. He seems very cool. I think you'll see what I mean.


Where do you live?
Birmingham, Alabama.

What is your favorite outing in Birmingham?
It was the video store close to my house but it closed. Now we like to go to Ruffner Mountain which is about ten minutes from our house and has hiking and owls.

What's the best thing about your city?
Vivienne.


Who are your favorite artists?
Irving Harper; Ben Shahn; Charles and Ray Eames; Paul Klee; George Nelson; Alexander Girard; The people who made Holiday Fair Toys; Jean Arp.



Where do you find inspiration?
Vivienne, our pets, the suburb where we live, the artists above, and movies (old ones, mainly).


Who do you admire and why?
Irving Harper because he helped change the world of design and was open minded enough to become friends with a guy that's 57 years younger than him. My Dad, because he is the strongest person I know and found a way to raise five kids on not much money and we still got everything we needed and wanted. My step-mom for marrying a man with three kids and being a great mom. Vivienne because she is so responsible and good to me.



What's the last great book you read?
Eero Saarinen by Jayne Merkel.


What's your favorite film?
There are so many so I'll try and list my top ten at the moment: Midnight Cowboy, Spartacus (I know, I know, but there is something in that Roman stuff, and I'm still amazed by Kirk Douglas's hair in the film), How to Draw a Bunny, The Best Years of Our Lives, Kind Hearts and Cornets, Mildred Pierce, Thieves Highway, Sweet Smell of Success, The Fountainhead, Malcolm X ( Spike Lee is soo Great!), Dodsworth (one of the best films I have ever seen), The French Connection* (Gene Hackman!), Night of the Iguana (John Huston!). Any movie with Richard Burton, Kirk Douglas, Mary Astor, Bette Davis, Rex Harrison, Woody Allen and thousands more.

*Editor's note: I think Matte might just likes Gene's hat in the film!




If you could photograph anyone in the world, who might that be?
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner.


Who would you like to sit down to tea with?
Richard Burton.



Do you have a guilty pleasure?
I did, it was candy Gummi Bears to be specific. I had to stop eating them. I still have dreams about them.


What is your most treasured belonging?
Two little gnome toys I found years and years ago that are still bringing me luck.



What do you despise?
People who abuse or neglect animals.


What's your favorite word?
Yaakahulahickeydula.


What are some of your favorite websites, blogs?
sfgirlbybay (thanks, matte!). Design Sponge. Velocity Art and Design. Decor8. Etsy. Architonic. Flickr. Ebay. Reform School. Nahcotta. Poppy Talk. Oh Joy! And many, many more.


Is there a craft, language, skill etc. you are dying to learn?
Vivienne would kill me if I started any more projects.


You can find matte's wonderful artwork for sale in his etsy shop, Velocity Art & Design and Reform School. He'll soon be showing original artwork at Rare Device, here in San Francisco. Thanks so much Matte for your candid interview. I'll enjoy looking at your pieces on my walls even more now.