Matthew Chamberlain

Maine. I was born and raised in Portland, Maine. South Portland to be specific. I’ve lived in a few other places later in life but Maine will always be home. 

Inspiration. I get inspiration from a number of places such as food, music and other artists. Ultimately it boils down to a compulsive need to make something. 

Medium. I use everything and anything available to me. I love enamel, oils and spray paint, but I also love old paper and found objects.

Artist Hero. Robert Rauschenberg, Basquiat, Helen Frankenthaler. I’m drawn to artists that use color and mark making in a way that evokes emotion.

Studio. For the past two years, I’ve been switching back and forth from my friends 175 year old barn in western Massachusetts to my home in South Portland. The barn is a real inspiration to me because you can just sense the history which is something I try to channel into my work. Not as a subject but as a feeling. I want my work to feel as though it’s been here. I do that through layers and certain mediums. 

Where in Maine. Where not in Maine? I am, without a doubt, an ocean person though. It’s just where I belong.

Fun Fact. I was a chef for 20 years. My first real restaurant job was at Fore street in the early 2000’s and then I owned a catering company for 10 years. Food and food prep is a huge influence on how I work. 

Education. I attended MECA and got a BFA in painting. I also had a brief stint at SVA when I lived in New York. Although school was important, I think my real education has been through life experience and working.

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