Artist uses trauma as powerful expression
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Sept. 24, 2024) — Dave Matthews’s work is deeply influenced by the female form, the dynamics of relationships, religious faith, his everyday observations of nature and, most profoundly, his experience living with a permanent disability.
In his abstract pieces, Matthews strives for balance and symmetry – often highlighting the inherent beauty of his material, namely wood and stone. His assemblages are rich with narrative, created from found and repurposed objects: furniture, wood, metal, building materials, fabric, dolls and photographs. These assemblages are more than just art; they are reflections of his life and the stories he carries with him.
Matthews’ love for old furniture, a hallmark of his assemblage work, traces back to his childhood. His mother’s passion for collecting antiques, coupled with his grandmother’s artistic influence, fostered a deep appreciation for the beauty and history of aged objects. This early exposure has left an indelible mark on his art, which echoes the work of artists like Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore, Joseph Cornell, Robert Rauschenberg, Bruce Conner (locally) and the lesser-known assemblage artist H.C. Westerman.
In 2020, Matthews’ life took a dramatic turn when he was involved in a hit-and-run accident with a drunk driver, resulting in the loss of both his legs. This traumatic event could have halted his artistic journey, but instead, it became a source of new inspiration.
For nearly two years, Matthews was unable to access his assemblage supplies, which were housed in his attic. During this period, he focused on creating stone abstracts, drawing from the beauty of the world around him.
Once he regained access to his attic, Matthews returned to his assemblage work with renewed vigor, channeling his experiences into powerful pieces that explore the realities of living in a disabled body.
“Before my accident, when asked what my favorite piece was, I would say, ‘My next piece’ Now I say, ‘My current piece.’ ”
Since 2016, Matthews has exhibited extensively across Northern California and the Central Valley, earning numerous accolades along the way. His work has been featured in prestigious venues, including the Tracy Art League’s Expressions! Show, where he has received significant recognition.
In 2016, the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art selected Matthews as one of five emerging artists of Northern California, dedicating a gallery to his assemblage work. Two years later, he was the featured artist at the Blackhawk Gallery in Danville.
Matthews partnered with fellow artist Greg Adams this year for a highly successful assemblage show at the Grand Theatre in Tracy. This six-week exhibition showcased more than 40 pieces, including an installation and an artist talk, allowing audiences to delve deeply into Matthews’ artistic vision.
He remains an active member of the Marin Society of Artists in San Rafael and Tracy’s Grand Theatre Center for the Arts Co-Op Gallery, continuing to inspire and provoke thought through his work. He is also currently showing his recent post-accident stonework at Blackhawk Gallery, offering another glimpse into his versatile talent. His next show will be at the Haggin Museum in Stockton, where his work will undoubtedly continue to captivate and inspire.
Matthews’ art is more than a reflection of his creative mind; it is a testament to his resilience, his ability to transform personal hardship into powerful artistic expression and his unyielding commitment to exploring the complexities of the human condition.
As he continues to create and exhibit, his work reminds us all of the profound beauty that can arise from even the most challenging circumstances.
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Julia O'Reilly
Born and raised in the beautiful city of Istanbul, Turkey, Julia pursued her studies in Business and Economics at Istanbul University before immigrating to the United States in 1991. She furthered her education at Las Positas College, specializing in Interior Design, and eventually settled in Clayton, where she has resided for 29 years. In 2003, Julia began her career as a jewelry artist, earning recognition from Diablo Magazine as the Best of the East Bay Local Jewelry Designer in 2012. Since 2014, she has been involved with the Blackhawk Gallery in Danville, California, and became President of the Alamo Danville Artists Society in 2020. In 2022, she opened her own JOR Fine Art Gallery, and for the past two years, she has been actively contributing to the Art Community in Clayton, a passion she deeply cherishes.