4th Friday Prescott Art Walk
Matt Fisher – “Alchemy in Wood“
Friday, October 28 through November 21
Arts Prescott Cooperative Gallery is excited to host our next featured guest artist Matt Fisher! His finely crafted wood pieces are functional as well as beautiful art!
Artist Statement:
Craftsmanship is mentioned at least 40 times in scripture. The first mention of it was during the construction of the mobile temple in Exodus 31:1-3 where it says “Now the Lord spoke to Moses saying see, I have called by name Bezalel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship”. While I certainly am not comparing myself to the anointed ones of old, I do believe that I have been given the gift of craftsmanship as well. These gifts are meant for believers to use in the edification of the kingdom. Towards that end, I enjoy helping others repair and construct things needed for their lives. I also enjoy showing my products on a larger stage hoping that in some way the gifts from the Creator will be seen and enjoyed by all.
Artist’s Bio:
My parents were depression era children and as such were very self-sufficient. My interest in solving mechanical problems started by following my dad around the garage on the weekends as he repaired and mended what had worn out that week. Dad had a shop full of tools and woodworking was always interesting for me. Building furniture was initially a necessity as store bought goods were costly and even in the early 70’s quality was hard to come by. After high school, education became my primary driver, ultimately completing a doctorate in organic chemistry. During the next 29 years, I was engaged in drug discovery for pharma in the state of Indiana. Organic synthesis is actually problem solving and precise construction on a micro scale. As exciting as it was, it was somewhat frustrating in that the beauty of the molecular architecture created could only be seen by few, and then only through the lens of sophisticated instrumentation. Woodworking came back into my life as a creative outlet that satisfied my need to create, visualize, and feel ones work product. Projects became increasingly complex; from harvesting the exact tree on my property, to milling, drying, and machining the raw lumber. Retirement in 2017 brought a move to Arizona and additional free time allowed projects to morph from a strictly utilitarian role to those with a more whimsical nature. Combining woods of different properties and introducing new techniques has kept me busy. The title of my show is “Alchemy in Wood”. Alchemy, the forerunner of modern day chemistry, is defined as a seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination, which is how I view fine woodworking or artistic creation of any sort. This opportunity fulfills a bucket-list item for me as I am able to show my work to a broader audience.
Meet the artist on Friday, October 28 with an Art Walk reception for Matt on Prescott’s 4th Friday Art walk from 5 to 8pm.
With live music by Alejandro on guitar and vocals! Snacks & beverages will be served!
The show runs from October 28 through November 21.
The gallery is open daily from 10am – 6pm.
Arts Prescott Cooperative Gallery 134 S. Montezuma, Prescott, “In the Heart of Whiskey Row.”
