Yareah Magazine

Interview by Isabel del Río, arts editor in Yareah magazine

Q.- When and why did you get the idea of blending these artistic tendencies?

A – I have always had a love for both the Art Nouveau style and traditional Gothic style art but it wasn’t until 2005 that I actually developed the idea of describing my work as Gothic Art Nouveau. It really grew from a lack of understanding in the industry. Too often I was confronted with the dilemma of trying to categorize my work (a nightmare for most artists). It became more and more difficult as my work developed. Eventually I came to the conclusion that I would have to make my own category in order for people to understand what I was trying to accomplish. The brainchild of that dilemma was Gothic Art Nouveau.

Q.- Yareah magazine studies our current art and literature analyzing their roots: myths and legends are an important part of our magazine. Which role does mythology play in your works?

A – Mythology plays a very important role in the conception of my work. The lessons taught are universal issues that address the nature of mankind – his strengths and weaknesses. I find mythology and legend very inspirational!

Q.- You claim that Gustave Dore is an important influence for you. As you know, he is the most famous illustrator of “The Quixote” and, in my opinion, several of your figures could be inspired in this “crazy” Spanish main character. Is craziness a source of inspiration?

A – Anarchy and chaos do play an important role in my work. The balance of chaos and order is so fragile and precious. It is easily one of the most influential elements in a person’s life. Beauty is easy to portray. Insanity and chaos are far more challenging to me.

Q.- You always affirm to have an inept talent for “the "visual method acting". Could you explain us this last concept?

A – “Visual method acting” refers to a technique I utilize often in which the artist submerges themselves into a character, situation, emotion, or action. It is the only way I know of to become as close as possible to the suffering or joy of another human being. To put your self into another person’s life or experience is extremely difficult and painful but hopefully the resulting art is well worth the effort.

A – The only way an artist can further their career is to have their art seen by as many people as possible. While galleries hold far more prestige than your average art show they tend to be very difficult to get into and expensive for the artist. The audience the gallery is exposing the artist’s work to also tends to be small. Art shows, on the other hand, are extremely easy to get into and have a larger audience.

It really depends on your work and the direction you want to go in. Personally I prefer art shows and contests for the exposure but galleries for selling my originals. Do not enter these events with the goal of winning an award. The awards tend to be more of a popularity contest than a genuine recognition of talent. The exposure is what you should be after.

Q.- Which are your next projects?

A – I am currently updating my licensing portfolio as well as developing more pieces for my third art book.

***Matt Hughes will be Yareah magazine main artist on December/2009.