Matthew Storstein

Artist living and working in Aberfeldy

Studied Glasgow School of Art 1992 – 1996

VAS Professional Member 

Before I start a painting I don’t have a preconceived idea of what it will be. I discover my paintings as I work on them - through the process, in the paint. I

play with the materials and see what may emerge, setting out to discover

something rather than to state an idea. I am searching for something specific -

a recognition of emotional truth, an echo of lived experience. Ultimately the

paintings are to be experienced not understood. Mystery is important, as much

for me as the viewer. I want them to be strange.

 

The focus is on abstract forms and the transformations they undergo as much

as any images that emerge. Shapes, colours and surfaces can be extraordinary

and direct communicators of feeling. I am also fascinated by the space inside

the painting, images, forms and suggested narratives. The images and

structures change radically as I seek a tension and a sympathy between

language and representation.

 

Awards

RSA Macfarlane prize – RSA 1998

SSWA Special Award – VAS 2009

SSWA Special Award – VAS 2011

 

Exhibitions

Tatha Gallery, Newport on Tay

WhiteSpace, Edinburgh

Oseana Art and Cultural Centre, Os, Norway

Open Eye Gallery, Edinburgh

Hidden Door Festival, Edinburgh

R.G.I., Glasgow

R.S.A ,Edinburgh

VAS, Edinburgh

SSA, Edinburgh

Tweeddale Museum and Gallery, Peebles

Edinburgh Art Fair, Edinburgh

Patriothall Gallery, Edinburgh

Compass Gallery, Glasgow

Intermedia Gallery, Glasgow

The Arches, Glasgow

Beatrice Royal Gallery, Southampton