Say hello to our newest featured artist, Matthew Bremer. You can see his commissioned work now up in our Wrigleyville location. It's a colorful painting depicting a slice of a Mac n' Cheese pizza defeating a sluggish slice of deep dish "pizza" in a boxing match, with (obviously) a can of beer as the ref. Truly, it doesn't get any better than that, folks. What was once just the idea of one of our employees, Matthew turned into a wonderful and bright reality. That is collaboration at its best. We're thrilled to have a new partnership with Matthew and excited to work with him more in the future. In the meantime, learn more about his creation process and what makes him tick as an artist. 

What led you to become an artist?
Art has been something I have done ever since I can remember. I started with finger paints, crayons, and play dough and was never able to get away from it. My overactive imagination leaves me no other option but to create things. I love music, film and the written word but am unable to do any of those so I had to find a way to express what is going on in my head in some way. Creating art is meditative to me and is one of the only ways I have found to truly disconnect and relax.

How would you describe your artistic style?
Making art is a huge and important part of my life, but I try to never take myself too seriously. To me art should be, first and foremost, fun to look at. I've heard people describe my work time and time again as "whimsical". I like that. I try to take my viewers on a wayward journey into this imaginary world I've created that is populated by anthropomorphic animals and junk food. This world is my interpretation of everything from song lyrics to pop culture to the occult.

As far as my process goes, I draw from my illustration and animation background. I start by collaging bizarre, funny, and macabre images together. As I layer these images, a bigger picture starts to reveal itself to me usually based on what I am currently listening to or reading. Using this collaged image as a template I begin laying down outlines and layering paint. Working in reverse in the style of an animation celluloid. I give meaning to the piece as I paint and am never quite sure what it is truly saying until I am finished.

What inspires you as an artist?
I find inspiration in music (mostly of the rock and roll and psychedelic variety), old cartoons and the classic animation process, sci-fi and horror books and films, and occult imagery. Connecting with other artists and creatives who have similar interests and an unstoppable desire to create is always inspiring.

What are your favorite mediums to create art in?
I prefer painting with acrylics and using both oil and water based paint markers. I am willing to try my hand on just about any surface but glass is my favorite. Mostly I paint on salvaged vintage windows I find abandoned in alleys. I love giving what's been left out in the trash new life as a piece of art.

What do you do outside of making art?
By day, I'm a graphic artist/sign painter for Whole Foods Market. I spend my free time listening to records, watching classic horror movies, riding my bike all over this beautiful city, and having friends over for small gatherings and dinner parties. My wife and I love to road trip around the Midwest and Southeast. And I spend a lot of time playing peace keeper between our puppy and cat.

What do you think is your spirit animal?
Spuds Mackenzie: the original party animal.

If you were a slice of pizza what kind of pizza would you be?
The kind you smother in Ranch dressing and hot sauce.

Anything else you want to share with the pizzaverse?
Check out my Big Cartel store and get updates on where else I will be showing my work at http://colouroutofspaceworkshop.bigcartel.com and follow me on Instagram @colouroutofspaceworkshop.