Aimee Noel Matthews

2007-11-12T00:51:00.000-05:00

AGGG Opening Reception

2007-11-12T00:23:00.000-05:00

Thumbs up! It's going to be a great night.

Group photo of the artists of AGGG.

Me and my wonderful friend, Debra

A Weekend Spent Well

2007-08-26T22:54:00.000-04:00

I would describe these as labors of love. Literally. Both refer to my tumultuous relationship of 6 years.

Love is a strange thing. A contrast, for me, of devotion and resentment. Some call this "compromise." I say whatever.

Am I bitter? Of course...Has it benefited me in any way? Absolutely.

I am a better artist for it, at least. Even though my heart is breaking

Be Brave, Be Strong, Be Proud

2007-08-24T16:48:00.000-04:00

Most of my work tells a story that I don't understand myself until it is complete. My mind works like this: I see a pile of images - sometimes they bombard me. Then I start sorting them, one by one, on the canvas. At then I realize they each relate to another object in the piece, and finaly, it all becomes clear... and the story is inevitable revealed.

This one is named Passage

I'm No Scientist...

2007-08-22T22:54:00.000-04:00

...but I believe I've worked out the formula for a successful painting:

3 Diet Pepsis + reckless abandon + No place to be = Voila! Success.

Feel free to borrow this formula, as no patent is pending at this time.

Proud Mommy

2007-08-21T21:10:00.000-04:00

I've had Zen now almost 6 months, rescued from the animal shelter. I held about 8 different cats and kittens that day, trying to find a loveable, helpless kitty. The moment I held Zen, I knew. Like love at first sight.

He wakes me up by bumping my nose with his and licking my hand. Today, I wondered why anyone would ever give up such a wonderful animal...They really missed out. Perhaps they regret it to this day?

When I am away, I can't wait to get home to see him. I know you might find it strange, but it's comforting to have someone who looks forward to seeing you come home and actually enjoys your company, oh - and appreciates you just as you are. And this picture illustrates just what a baby he is - curled up in my arms. So, if I never have children, it's okay - at least I have Zen to love. And to love me back...unconditionally.

Saving Aimee

2007-08-21T20:56:00.000-04:00

Working on "KEPT". I'm in a painting frenzy right now....it's great therapy, especially for my self-esteem. Kind of makes me forget...things.

Operation Aimee

2007-08-18T23:08:00.000-04:00

STEP ONE:
Self-Esteem

What the...Zen?

2007-08-16T15:35:00.000-04:00

My cat is possessed. My best guess would be by a 4 year old brat with no respect for the sleepless and weary.

This is how I awake every morning as of late...and by morning, I mean when it's still dark (I wouldn't know the hour as I do my best to remain horizontal til at least 9 am):

"Mreow..." Thwap. Clang. One of my eyes pops open to see Zen staring at the floor from atop my dresser.
"Mreow! ( a little louder this time)" Thwap. Clinkety clink. Zen pointedly staring at me.
"Hrmm...Mreowwww!" translated: "Wake the frick up, lady!" Thwap. Thud. Zen purposefully looks at the floor, makes eye contact with me and looks back at the floor, as if to say: "See that - get up or I'll continue to clean every item off your dresser, one by one, til you stick your finger in my food bowl and I get three ice cubes."

Yes, I said three ice cubes. Not only do I have to refresh his water almost every other hour but he gets a special kick out of ignoring it until I drop in three ice cubes. The crackle and hiss of a frozen cube dropping into room-temp water fascinates my furry demon. Now, his food dish is one of those you can fill up so that he can eat for several days before I have to fill it again. So, he's basically angry that I haven't dragged myself out of bed at an ungodly hour simply to shove two fingers in his food dish to get the dry morsels to trickle down (by the way, it isn't empty, just low) and provide a refreshing drink for His Highness.

As he happily laps up near frozen water, I stumble back into bed trying not open my eyes more than necessary...I have at least 24 hours before the "meow, thwap, thud" begins again.

The Discarded Revisited

2007-08-16T15:25:00.000-04:00

I'm preparing for a show in September and thought I'd finish up a lot of half finished pieces. Sometimes, this method works best for me...

Aimee's been productive!

2007-08-16T15:23:00.001-04:00

10"x10"
Acrylic

New Favorite Band

2007-08-12T13:29:00.000-04:00

Happy birthday, E!

2007-08-09T22:28:00.000-04:00

It just so happens Black Hawk Down is on as I write...Coincidence? Just God's happy way of ending an already ok day...

The "O" Face

2007-08-09T22:17:00.000-04:00

Saw John Mayer in Charlotte, NC last Wednesday. Luckily, we sat as far away as we possibly could (not by choice, mind you) - watching his mouth make those weird...tongue..thing gestures sort of ruins the music for me.

Imagine what poor Jessica had to endure....

My Dream Came True!

2007-08-04T13:57:00.000-04:00

I can hardly believe it! Thursday I took my portfolio downtown to be reviewed by the Artists Guild Gallery of Greenville (hereafter referred to as AGGG). Instead of dropping off my work to be reviewed, I presented myself and work to about 20 people. 6 other artists were also being juried by the guild's Board of directors. What a rush! I have to say I am a horrible public speaker but when talking about my art, it couldn't have been any easier. Now, afterwards, my nerves were shot! I went home and slept like a baby and began the wait for the word that I was accepted or declined.

Okay, so you want to know...? ACCEPTED! I received the call this morning from the Board chair saying that another artist, John Pendarvis, and I were chosen. Let's just say the happy dance lasted a good 5 minutes. Zen looked at me like I'd lost my mind.

Anyways, I'm pretty sure I've made my round of calls to friends and family....so, I'll see you soon on Main Street.

Officially a Banatic

2007-07-29T22:12:00.000-04:00

So, it's been awhile since I last posted, but forgive me - I was sidetracked by the Eric Bana website. Wow. I can't help it - he looks so much like someone I know and love...you know who you are <*wink**>.

Anyhoo - Thursday is a big day for yours truly...although I'll have to keep you in suspense until the "big event." Wish me luck!!

Meme's Little Apprentice

2007-07-20T14:55:00.000-04:00

Meet Sydney. She's only 8 but I'm starting her early!This is Syd in my studio working on her masterpiece which you can see below. Like her Meme ( that's me), what started out as one thing quickly morphed into another. The final piece is of my three parakeets, Blue, Honey and Marlee. Man, girl's got mad skills.

Have Heart

2007-07-20T14:50:00.000-04:00

This was my first attempt at using beeswax and I'm extremely proud of myself. Chris, I know you say the heart is gross, so check out my portfolio where I used a skull : )

My Studio

2007-07-13T23:51:00.000-04:00

I don't know about you, but I'm always curious what other artists' workspaces look like...so, I decided to share mine with you. I recently moved everything out of an 8x10 dining room and into the basement where I have three times the workspace (plus, it's cozy - it used to be my bar). Here you go: