Matt Eaton

"This piece is a metaphor for the struggle of Guatemalan Star Trek live action role players and the social stigma attached to being a nerd in South America. Introducing the cat character into the chaos of the structural elements of the bridge of the Starship Enterprise represents the moral outrage of the Star Trek live action role playing community regarding the treatment of wesley crusher in episode #162 "when it rains". As a whole I feel this piece captures the essence of the frustration and burden placed upon these considerably more financially depressed Guatemalan Star Trek live action role players to live up to an image perpetuated by more wealthy and detail oriented American star trek live action role players." - Matt Eaton

Having spent his formative years moving to and from cities like Los Angeles, London, New York and Detroit, Matt Eaton became compelled to investigate his surroundings. While trying to find some familiarity and comfort in these new places, he became fascinated with local signage, lettering and advertising. This quickly lead to a deep admiration for graffiti and the layers of old ads plastered on walls of buildings and subway tunnels. The decay of once new and seemingly important information and how quickly it is forgotten and plastered over have become a major theme in his work. This imagery became a traveling companion of sorts, never having to be left behind and waiting to be enjoyed in every new place he found himself with bright friendly colors and interesting new themes.

The process of mixing these mental images with memories of sayings and quotations that he associates with certain areas and people allows him to use his training in calligraphy and graphic design to produce personal snapshots of his life experience. Having long ago stepped away from the active world of graffiti, Matt still uses techniques and materials native to graffiti culture, as well as painting on wood which allows him to explore more realistic and natural textures and layers while being able to control surface quality.