ingrid matthews

I grew up in a family of musicians and began my professional life as a violinist; feeling the pull of painting, however, while still performing extensively I've pursued an extended and eclectic education in the visual arts. I began showing my work in 2011 and since then have gradually shifted the focus of my creativity. The connections between art and music are a strong influence on my work, as both are abstract expressions of feeling, whether using wavelengths of sound or light.

I really love color, and I use it as my primary tool for exploring the shifting nuances of the energetic atmosphere we live in. I use very thin layers of paint, subtractive techniques, and both controlled and uncontrolled mark-making to create resonant depths; I want to make paintings that feel like being immersed in music. In addition to music (especially the layering that creates harmony or dissonance), my work is inspired by the organic forms of the natural world, geometry, existential experience and mindfulness.

20-plus years of self-directed art studies, primarily at Gage Academy of Art in Seattle and through private instruction. Also, a masters degree in music.

2020: featured artist for Season 1/Episode 3 of "Commissioned," The Design Network's show about art and artists.

2016: subject of an Arc-Inspired Press article "Beyond Words: Touched by the Art of Ingrid Matthews"

2020: "Disrupting the Stillness," the Visionary Projects (online) with Lohme Gallery, Malmo, Sweden
2020: "Minimalism," ShockBoxx Gallery, Hermosa Beach, CA (upcoming)
2020: "Abstract Only," Hawai'i Art Alliance, Hilo, HI
2020: "Abstract Catalyst," Verum Ultimum Gallery, Portland, OR
2020: "Celebration of Art" (Honorable Mention), Marin Society of Artists
2020: "Abstracts," Art Room Gallery, online
2020: "Ingrid Matthews; New Work," solo show at Miro, Seattle
2018: "Bach in Color," solo show at the Thomas S. Kenan Gallery, University of North Carolina School of the Arts
2018: "Resonance," solo show at Ballard Works, Seattle
2018: "Bach in Color," solo show at the Musical Offering Cafe, Berkeley CA
2017: Light, Space & Time Online Gallery, "Seascapes," special recognition award
2016: "Ingrid Matthews and Jon Schmidt" (duo show), Phinney Center Gallery, Seattle WA
2015: "Chromatic" (group show), Linus Galleries, Pasadena, CA
2015: "Art Up,"Seattle, WA
2013: "The Road Not Taken," Lander Art Center, Lander, WY
2013: solo show, Ampersand Pantry & Cafe, Seattle, WA
2012: "Small Works," Art on the Ridge, Seattle,WA
2011: "Featuring Ingrid Matthews," solo show, Art on the Ridge, Seattle, WA
2011: solo show at "Art Up," Seattle, WA
2011: solo show at Avanti Art and Design, Seattle, WA