Matlen
Terry
Oil Paintings
The Parisian
8"x10"
Jamie and Choo-Choo Wait for the Golden Egg
8"x8"
Carpe Diem
8"x8"
School Phobia
8"x10"
Boris and The Battle of The Little Bighorn
8"x8"
Spielunker
8"x8"
Happy Birthday
8"x8"
Mason's Daughter
8"x8"
Peddler's Son
8"x8"
Schuyler and the Flying Dutchman
8"x8"
Sally Proves Darwin’s Theory at the Dodger’s Game
48" x 48'"
Scout Envy
8"x8"
Lakota and the Fez Man
8"x8"
It Was Just a Dream Some of Us Had
8"x8"
Nonna and Pepe Search for Snow White
8"x8"
Darla and the Red Rooster
10"x10"
Buster and Freddy the Pig
5"x7"
Wild Wild West
8"x10"
Liverpool Pups
8"x10"
Pink Sass
6"x6"
Homer and Hoss
8"x8"
Oil Paintings: Archive
Bridge on Kirkway
Tudor on Willow Lane
Birthday Dog
Fez on Fire
All I Wanted Was a Pet Pony
Ten More Years of Psychoanalysis
About Me
Artist's Statement
In a general sense, I am curious about the inner world of imagination, psychology, dreams, fairytales, and symbolism. My intention is to pose a story or allegory of the human condition by integrating ideas, memories, and beliefs, contrasting humor with the serious, and exploring irony through the juxtaposition of objects, all while considering the impact of color, composition, light, and texture.
On a more personal level, these paintings, for the most part, came to me organically with no major planning. As the series progressed- fairly early on - it became clear to me that a theme began to emerge and evolve: my autobiography.
All art is autobiographical
at some level.
We are what we make. We make who we are.
I’m interested in understanding my life and portraying early experiences through this series of tiny paintings, which begs the viewer to move in closer, offering a more intimate look at my inner world: childhood experiences, relationships, curiosity, early traumas, and sometimes, just plain fun. My goal is to explore and analyze, often by utilizing various vintage props in my studio that I’ve collected for decades for various art projects: tiny dolls, figurines, animals, etc., using them as actors in a play- my play. Within each painting lies a story, often a daydream or a past experience that I’m unconsciously- and sometimes consciously- still trying to sort out.
I weave symbols, gender expectations/roles and conflicts, and fantasies, along with my unconscious to set forth a story, often injected with humor. In addition, I’m aware of and concerned about social injustices that also play out in some of the pieces in this series.