MATTHEW ACE

My work is refined yet still maintains a wildness about it. Laden with thinned layers of oil, these pieces often breed both clean and muddied hues. There is a realness there, often lifted on the frames of fantastic forms or found in a sea of detail. It's content ranges from the everyday breathtaking beauty of my wife, commissioned illustrations for a Native American story, to  what I believe are misconceptions about God. All are intended to stimulate contemplation and awe. My paradigm for life changed at 21 when I began to believe that God is only loving. If he is, reality looks different. This lens for life was the catalyst for my first painting Green Being.  More recently, I interpreted a story into eight mosaic-like images, allowing me to further explore my imagination while holding to the dictates of a set narrative. Many of my pieces, however, were created without such constraints or compensation. They were painted during scarce moments around work schedules and over my daughter’s naptimes when few knew what I was up to. I hope this time has gone to good use and you enjoy digesting my art and allow it to inspire you!