s1 e8 : Matthew Maher

str8 ppl (STRAIGHT PEOPLE) with Ian Aber

A lost episode - Matt Maher is straight but really wants to talk about it.

"I am originally from Ocala, Florida, I am the exact same age as the show “Miami Vice” I graduated from GSU in 2015 with a BFA in Sculpture, but if I’m being honest, my first art Teacher Mary Beth Waltz laid the foundations of what my practice is today. She gave me my first book on Picasso, as well as took me to my first gallery exhibition. There were no erasers in her classroom. The lesson behind that was to work with your instincts and work forward rather than backward to solve a problem. Ya know… like life!

Apart from college I have studied theatre, improv, and writing at Relapse Theatre in Atlanta as well as performed and managed a band “Sneaky Hand”, for ten years. That pivotal time in my life taught me how to be resourceful, bold, and expressive. My masks evolved in that performance environment and I’ve stayed close to that source of inspiration.

Since graduating I’ve shown in a huuuuuuuuge variety of spaces and events in Atlanta. I have had pieces in the Eyedrum, Midtown Players Club, and WhiteSpace gallery. I have staged performances at Blue mark studios, the Goat Farm, 368 Ponce de leon, Kibbee gallery and the Low Gallery. I’ve been featured artist at several sponsored corporate events for Scout Mob and the W Hotel. I have made masks for dance troupes and art parties. What you got? I’ll build a mask for it.

The teenage mutant ninja turtle I most identify with is Raphael. All of my tattoos have stories. My dog’s name is Daisy and I love her dearly. I’m good with my hands. I’m honest to a fault. I wish I was taller and I’m sure everyone can tell. I prefer tea to coffee. I am no good at playing cards, and Macgyver is my Sufi.

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