Matthew Best

detail of #richardsimmons, 2014. acrylic on panel. 24 by 24 inches

I called this show Limited Means for two reasons, first, I work with a limited palette, typically no more than two or three colors per painting as well as a limited array of shapes. I'm interested in getting maximum impact with the simplest elements. The repeated elements are changed by context rather than variation.

Second, making art is expensive and I decided to stop buying paint and work with what I had on hand. I assembled all the paint I could find in the studio. At first I had my full usual palette along with some odd metallics and some air-brush paint. I spent the following 6-7 months working exclusively with these colors. At first it was easy but quickly things began to run out. My challenge was to make due with what was left. It forced me to make decisions that I wouldn't normally make such as odd, sometimes uncomfortable color combinations. My only concession was replacing white after it ran out, I found that was the one thing I couldn't work without. Beyond that it was liberating.

The show will be on view from January 23 to March 13, 2015 at the Gallery at Three Rivers Community College in Norwich, CT (http://www.threerivers.edu/Div_academics/Gallery/theGallery.shtml).  I will be giving an artist talk on Monday, February 2 at 9:30am and there will be an opening reception on Tuesday, February 3 from 6-7:30pm. Both events are free and open to the public.

Regular gallery hours are Monday-Friday 9am to 7pm.