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Woodbury artist Matt Wood opens a window on the versatile expressions of his art in paintings and photography in his new exhibition titled "Bliss," running through Jan. 15, 2007, at the Good News Cafe and Gallery.
A graduate of the University of Iowa, Wood began his artistic odyssey more than two decades ago at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Calif., where he studied under master artists Mike Kelly, Stephen Prina, Dwight Harmon and Fred Fehlau. He embarked after completion of his formal studies on a journey across America, traveling widely to capture images and portraits of the nation in its rich natural and cultural diversity. His photography, artist book sketches and paintings during this period provided a foundation for his artistic career, and the inspiration for his 2003-04 show at the Westover School in Middlebury.
Since settling in Connecticut, Wood has gained critical acclaim for his original design, artwork and murals created for private homes and public venues across New England under the umbrella of International Palettes, a Woodbury-based business owned by Wood and his wife Joanna. Travel and Leisure magazine writer Shane Mitchell observed in a review of The Mayflower Inn's new Spa House in Washington, Conn., that "hand-painted frescoes by local artist Matt Wood illuminate the sea green hallways," helping visitors to "get in touch with your inner Thoreau."
The rich hues, broad sweep and careful detail in Wood's paintings evoke uniquely personal interpretations of both distant and locally familiar landscapes. His photography provides an arresting counterpoint to his paintings in the current Good News show, offering fresh perspectives through his roving lens on the rapidly changing American scene and muted images of a popular culture in transition.
An annual participant in the Flanders Nature Center benefit art show and auction, Wood's recent area appearances include a show of his paintings and artist books at the Minor Memorial Library in Roxbury in 2003, as well as exhibitions of his paintings at the Gunn Memorial Library in Washington, Conn., in 2004, and at the Good News Cafe & Gallery in the summer of 2002. His original mural reproduction graced the backdrop of the 100th anniversary Mass celebration in 2003 for St. Teresa of Avila Church in Woodbury.
Previous Connecticut shows have been staged at galleries, museums and benefits in Easton, Westport, Ridgefield, New Haven and Hartford. His paintings, sketches and photos also have been featured in exhibitions in New York City, London, Iowa and Maine. Wood is a past recipient of the Weir Farm Visiting Artist Fellowship.
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