Maddie Mattheu

Artist Statement

My artwork is an expression of my nostalgia for my childhood and explores themes of femininity and aging. I am inspired both by contemporary pop culture, like the vibrant colors and iconography of my upbringing in the early 2000s, and folk art traditions, such as quiltmaking and cross-stitching. Although I primarily create drawings and paintings, I am also drawn to the history behind traditional fiber art practices and enjoy experimenting with these mediums in my work. 

My interest in fiber art began when I was given a box of incomplete cross-stitch and embroidery projects that belonged to my great-grandmother. Although she passed away before I was born, I was able to feel a sense of connection to her by holding her work in my hands. Historically, women who practiced stitching or other craft techniques often did not consider themselves to be artists, despite the time and care put into their work. My great-grandmother would have likely said the same about her own work, but I disagree. As the only artist in my immediate family, I feel called to finish her projects and continue to create work of my own in order to honor the work of the women who came before me. 

This experience has informed much of my current artistic practice across all mediums. In my work, I often represent important people, memories, and objects from my youth. One of the ways in which I have done this recently is with a series of paintings and ceramic sculptures of cakes using actual baking tools such as icing bags and palette knives. The image of a birthday cake is both a representation of getting older and a celebration of my girlhood. Baking, much like fiber art, also has domestic connotations that can inhibit the work’s ability to be taken seriously. Through the exploration of these themes, I hope to elevate traditionally feminine techniques and subject matter to the status of fine art.