I saw his video (below) and was really impressed with his work and way he expresses the feeling of the horse though each medium he works in! I emailed him and asked a few questions about him and his amazing art. You can check out his answers below!
Curt Mattson~
Site: http://www.curtmattson.com
Curt Mattson creates unique and quality work. These pieces will enrich your environment and bring to you the fascinating world of the North American Cowboy.
“Man is a creator; it is intrinsic in his very being. This drive to create is one of the most compelling proofs that man, himself, has been created.” “For it is in the image of his Creator that he was formed.” “It is fitting that man, formed out of the dust of the earth, would seek to create out of the clay of the earth.”
I sculpt and paint to bring to the world images that will encourage, excite and enrich. It is my goal to create lasting works that will be a constant source of joy to each collector. It is vitally important to me that my pieces be, not only accurate from a historical perspective, but also have the ingredients of truly great art.
My passion is the world of the buckaroo and of horsemen and horsewomen, both contemporary and historic. This is my background, combined with the love of art and of training horses. It is vitally important to me to leave a record of the buckaroo of today, and to tell the lives of the historic horseman of the West. The pieces I create allow me to share this passion.
Curt Mattson
Bronze is the medium that allows such statements to be made in a tangible form. Not only the sense of sight is involved, but the sense of touch, as one views the piece in the round. The piece will enchant you afresh each time you move it. Sculpture allows me latitude that I do not have in flat formats. Watercolor has a transparency and luminosity unavailable in other mediums. Watercolor is a classic format for Western Art and telling the stories of the West.
Sculpture is what initially drew me to art. On a ranch, surrounded by the horses I love, I wasn’t looking for another obsession. But then I saw a bronze done by a cowboy artist, and it struck me hard. From that point on I began to pursue the means to sculpt. Other sculptors took the time to teach me. I began to grow as a sculptor. These men gave me the background to accomplish more and more sculpturally, as I pushed forward. I must look at the masters of our day and of the past to study and learn from both. I desire that my work will be seen as important art in the years after I am gone. Sculpture is as timeless a medium as man has to leave a record. Therefore I want what I sculpt to be worthy of such a permanent material.
I have always loved Ed Borein’s watercolors. His work has the authenticity of someone that has been there. Like myself, he was a native Californian and worked on ranches throughout California and the West. His work focused on the Vaqueros of California that he had ridden with. His work breathes with life and energy. Watercolor is the most difficult of mediums and the challenge of creating with it draws me to create paintings of the West. It is a very
permanent medium and has its own challenges that drives me to excel with it.
Few of us will ever know what it is like to be on horseback in country that swallows you up with its grandeur. We can only wonder about the sensations we might have as we sit on the back of a nasty bronc, fanning him to the point where the bucking ends. Imagine having a rope out, chasing after maverick cattle. Picture yourself next to your horse, cold and wet already, and the morning has just begun. These and a thousand other experiences are what the buckaroo lives. In spite of the challenges he faces today, the buckaroo understands that what he does has an important role in America’s future. He is an American icon that represents what is good in our great country. My art celebrates this lifestyle.
My life has been centered around this world. To be able to bring this world to others, is a great joy, a privilege and a great responsibility.
“That it is the love of the horse and the relationship you can develop with them that drives my art. There is just something so very special about the bond between horse and man.”
Also, congrats to Curt on celebrating 25 years of being an artist! What an accomplishment!!
Check out the video below or on the home page of Curt’s website were he explains a little bit out himself and his love of art!
Q: I read on your Artist’s Statement that you admire Ed Borein’s water colors. Are there any other artists/sculptors that have influenced you?
A: “Ed Borein was and is a huge influence, sculpturally the work of Solon Borglum and his brother Gutzon are very important influences. Gutzon Borglum created what I consider to be the greatest piece of American sculpture to date, The Mares of Diomedes. Everything that great sculpture shouldbe is in that piece in my view. I would like to create a piece of that power and excellence one day.”
Q: Do you own any horses that you use as models for your work?
A: “My wife and I have two horses that we ride, train and use as models. My wife’s horse, Quinn, is a 17.2 cross bred who is not only striking but kind and very sculptural. My horse Trucker, is a registered Paint and is great as a model for a good cowhorse.”
Q:What is your favorite thing about the art that you do?
A: “My favorite thingabout my art is the horse stories you get to share with so many that have never lived the life I have or that do and they appreciate the authenticity and accuracy of the horses and the gear and riders. It is so much fun to get to tell the storiesof what the piece is about and get the viewer involved. It is also exciting for me to see people touch the sculpture and feel the textures.”
Q:I know that you work in in a variety of mediums. Do you have a favorite?
A: “Each medium makes you a better artist. I love sculpture because it is tactile, has mass and the fact that you are viewing it from every side. It is my favorite, but no matter what medium I am working in, I enjoy it all.”
Q:What is your favorite art piece that you have done so far?
A: “My favorite piece I have createdso far is a piece called “Wild Horses Wilder Women”. That was a turning point piece for me in terms of composition and design.”
“Wild Horses Wilder Women” By Curt Mattson
Q:Do you have any upcoming events/shows coming up besides Scottsdale?
A: “I will be doing severalshows next year including the Miniature Masterpiece Show at the Phippen Museum in Prescott, Az, as well as theQuest for the West show in Indianapolis, Indiana, and there are others pending.”
Q:Are you in the process of making any other monuments or sculptures or do you have any planned for the future?
A: “I am always working on new sculpture and paintings. The studio right now has five pieces almost complete as well as a couple of others in progress. I draw an hour every day and paint daily as well. There is just so much to do and it is so much fun!”
Curt Mattson explains the detail in his sculpture to visitors
Curt Mattson at the Celebration of Fine Art creates a new sculpture
I hope you enjoyed seeing Curt’s fabulous sculptures!! Thank you Curt for letting me share your art with my readers:) To see even more of his art, be sure to check out his site: http://www.curtmattson.com !!
Come back this Tuesday for more great horse art!!
Shya
Huh? What? Well, I will believe that when I see flying Shetlands !
Art Of The Horse 