Check Out Matthew R. Paden’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew R. Paden.

Hi Matthew, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In the summer of 2017, I embarked on a transformative artistic journey by founding Savvy Palette, my fine art brand. Inspired by the captivating work of Australian artist Voka and his spontaneous realism movement, I have dedicated the past five years to honing my craft within this dynamic artistic realm. However, like any worthwhile journey, mine has been marked by a series of peaks and valleys, what I often describe as navigating turbulent waters. My artistic roots trace back to my graduation from an art school in Arizona in the summer of 2004, where I specialized in illustration and digital media. Though filled with creative growth, this period was challenging. Art school, I soon discovered, was not just a sanctuary for creativity but also a place where I learned some tough life lessons. It became evident that, in the art world, as in any other industry, individuals might take advantage of you if given the opportunity. While immersed in my final project in my senior year, I faced an unexpected setback—I was temporarily expelled from school for six months. To compound matters, upon my return, I discovered that the school’s business department had raised my tuition rate. This ordeal, while disheartening at the time, became a pivotal moment that profoundly influenced my approach to running an art business. It was a stark reminder of the harsh realities of the intersection between art and commerce. I was 23, relatively naive about the intricacies of the business world, and this experience left an indelible mark on my professional ethos.

I named my brand Savvy Palette a testament to the invaluable lessons I learned during that challenging time. Armed with a newfound awareness and resilience, I vowed to navigate the art world with savvy and determination, refusing to be taken advantage of again. My commitment to my artistic dreams dates back to my childhood, ignited at the tender age of 7 in 1984. The magic of Disney animation captured my soul, and from that moment, I knew I wanted to be an artist. Despite the obstacles and setbacks, my passion for art has never waned. I firmly believe in the power of perseverance and the unwavering pursuit of dreams. Today, I continue to chase that dream I envisioned as a child, fueled by the magic that first sparked my artistic journey.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the significant challenges I’ve encountered on my artistic journey stems from a lack of support and encouragement, particularly within my family. Growing up in an environment that largely dismisses the arts, with the prevailing belief that all artists are destined to be “starving” and that art is merely a weekend hobby, has been a constant hurdle. Paradoxically, this lack of encouragement has become a powerful motivator for me. Rather than succumbing to discouragement, I’ve channeled it into fuel for my passion. The prevailing skepticism only strengthens my resolve to prove that art is not just a pastime but a legitimate and rewarding pursuit. In addition to external challenges, I’ve also grappled with internal struggles every day for many creative minds—namely, anxiety and depression. For years, I was unaware of the severity of these mental health issues. Art and my creative drive have been crucial lifelines, serving as beacons during my darkest days. In 2017, just before founding Savvy Palette, I faced an incredibly challenging period. The weight of the pain I was experiencing led me to contemplate suicide seriously. The overwhelming feeling of isolation and lack of support compounded the struggle. Fortunately, with the encouragement of my wife, I sought help from a mental health provider in 2019. Medication and professional support have since played a pivotal role in managing my anxiety and depression, offering a more balanced perspective after more than two decades of relentless pain. Today, I find immense joy as a parent to a four-year-old daughter. Having my own family was a dream I held onto, and after many years of solitude, I now share my life with two people who mean the world to me. While the journey has been challenging, the resilience forged through my art and the newfound support have been transformative in navigating my life’s artistic and personal dimensions.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to become more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
For the past five years, my artistic focus has revolved around the captivating style known as Spontaneous Realism. This unique form of art, nestled within the broader realism genre, merges abstract elements, bold color schemes, and apparent brush strokes to create visually arresting compositions. The process involves referencing an original photo and then recreating it with an intentionally unrealistic color palette. Although I primarily utilize acrylic paint and am open to exploring various art mediums, Spontaneous Realism has been my chosen avenue for artistic expression. The movement itself emerged around early 2012, gaining prominence through the works of influential artists such as Jos Coufreur, VOKA, and Françoise Nielly, who played pivotal roles in popularizing this distinctive style. While Spontaneous Realism has been the cornerstone of my artistic journey, I’ve recently drawn back to my illustration roots. This shift represents a deliberate effort to diversify my portfolio and explore opportunities within the realm of publishing. By blending the spontaneity of my realism work with the precision and narrative elements inherent in illustration, I aim to create a body of work that reflects my artistic evolution and opens new doors for collaboration and creative exploration. This dual focus allows me to navigate the intersection of two artistic worlds, drawing on the strengths of each to create a diverse and dynamic portfolio. As my creative journey unfolds, I am excited about the possibilities that arise from this intersection and the potential for new and exciting projects in both Spontaneous Realism and the illustrative realm.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
Kansas City has proven to be a unique and enriching chapter in my life, offering artistic opportunities and a sense of familial connection. Having lived in Portland, OR, Phoenix, AZ, and Oklahoma for significant periods, I find Kansas City’s thriving art scene particularly invigorating. The city provides a platform for artists like myself to create and connect with a vibrant and appreciative audience. This dynamic arts community has opened doors and presented less prevalent opportunities in places like Oklahoma. Moreover, the city holds a special place in my heart due to the presence of extended family through my wife. The sense of community and shared experiences with loved ones has added a valuable layer to my connection with Kansas City. As for challenges, I haven’t encountered many negatives about Kansas City. In the future, I may discover aspects that pose challenges, as one often does in any new environment. However, for now, the positive experiences, the thriving art scene, and the presence of family have overshadowed any potential drawbacks. Time will undoubtedly reveal more layers of my relationship with the city. Still, for the present, Kansas City has proven to be a welcoming and inspiring home for both my personal and artistic endeavors.

Pricing:

• $1,250.00 – $3,500.00

Contact Info:

• Website: www.savvypalette.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattpadenart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matthew.paden.98/
• Other: www.mattpaden.art

Image Credits
Matthew R. Paden