MATT GILL ART

Acrylic on glass window 1 meter x 66cm

90 x 90cm Acrylic on Glass

2715 is the postcode of Balranald, in the Murray region of New South Wales, deeply intertwined with the Murrumbidgee River. My painting draws inspiration from this river, reflecting the rhythms and textures of the landscape it nourishes.

The artwork is painted on the reverse of six glass panels within a wooden sash window. Layers of paint are applied, then partially stripped away with paint strippers and wire brushes, creating a profound sense of depth and movement.

The window serves as both a framing device and a tool to enhance depth, inviting viewers to connect with the landscape.

My artwork captures a serene scene that showcases the breathtaking beauty of the Central Highlands in Tasmania. I have depicted a boathouse on a tranquil lake, adorned with a charming blue wren perched on a branch. The scene invites viewers to immerse themselves in the peacefulness of the moment, connecting with the tranquility of nature.

One of the unique aspects of this artwork is the technique I employed - painting on the reverse side of glass. This approach adds an additional layer of depth and texture to the artwork, creating a sense of multidimensionality. I used multiple layers of acrylic paint, meticulously scratching away with a knife and wire brush, to reveal hidden shapes and textures that contribute to the overall composition.

Acrylic on glass

70cm x 50cm

Acrylic on glass with fabric background
90 x 60cm

Acrylic on Glass, fabric background
70 x 50cm

“Take a long hard look at yourself” is a poignant reflection of a challenging period in my recent past, when life seemed to be heading in the wrong direction. My marriage ended, I lost my job, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic hit all at once, leaving me feeling lost and making poor life choices. I found myself drinking and smoking way too much and unable to see the brightness or opportunities around me, blind to the possibilities that lay ahead.

This artwork, created using layers of acrylic on the reverse side of glass, serves as a metaphor for my journey during this time. I built up layers of paint, only to scratch them away with blades and wire brushes, searching for the good that lay underneath. The layers represent the my own experiences and emotions, revealing a sense of depth and complexity. The process of reworking the layers resembles my own process of self-reflection, as I dug deep to find the light amidst the darkness.

“Take a long hard look at yourself” is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the power of artistic expression. It serves as a reminder that even in the midst of difficult times, there is always potential for growth, change, and ultimately finding a brighter path forward.

Acrylic on Glass 90 x 60cm

Acrylic on glass, fabric background

90 x 60cm Acrylic on glass

Japanese fabric background

90 x 60cm Acrylic on glass

Mexican fabric background

90 x 60cm Acrylic on canvas,

Japanese fabric background

Acrylic on Glass with fabric background

Acrylic on Glass

50 x 40cm

Acrylic on Glass 34 x 29cm

On show at Brunswick Street Gallery, Victoria. Dec-Jan 2023

Acrylic on Glass

70 x 50cm

Acrylic on Glass
90 x 60cm

Honored to have contributed to the Giant Steps fundraiser 2024 by donating my painting, ‘Cockatoo Island to Circular Quay,’ for auction at their Chinese banquet evening. Over $45,000 was raised, a remarkable achievement! For 27 years, Giant Steps has been at the forefront of providing top-tier education and support for children with autism and their families, importing the world’s best practices to Australia. It’s truly inspiring to see how this organization has evolved into a leading educational center, positively impacting countless lives.

Acrylic on Glass

40 x 50cm

60 x 60cm Acrylic on Perspex with fabric background

Acrylic on glass 19 x 23cm