Matthew R Cory (b. 1974)
My works focus on figurative acrylic paintings, drawings, and digital illustrations that explore us as humans; our connection with nature and spirit. I combine my interests in metaphysics, philosophy, the natural world, plus add a touch of humour to engage and inspire viewers. The figures are often “In medias res,” where the viewer may wonder how this scene came about and what is about to happen. The hope is that the viewer will enjoy the unity of the whole piece while simultaneously being able to dive into every corner and find another world waiting. I mix energetic color with repetitive patterns, figurative forms over geometric shapes, and symbolism alongside abstraction. By playing with combinations of patterns and solids, modern and ancient, material and spiritual, the intent is to create pieces that possess both tension and unity.
I grew up in the Pacific Northwest (US) and am also inspired by music, the scenery, technology, and my family history - all have made an impact on what and how I create. I am a poet, a musician, an artist, a designer, a husband, and a father of three wonderful people.
As a child, I had an aptitude for drawing and singing. By way of encouragement, I was told of grandparents, great-grandparents, and great-uncles who were painters, singers, and photographers. While looking further into my genealogy, I discovered that many relatives, closely and distantly related, were involved with the arts in some way - including folks who’d created presidential portraits (Grant - Thomas Le Clear) and written world-famous songs (I Left My Heart in San Francisco - George Cory Jr.).
Although much of my creative efforts in the early 2000s focused more on music (Half Acre Day) and my career as a graphic designer, I have always continuously made visual art. I have since started pursuing my visual art more intently. I will continue to delve into different approaches, materials, and techniques.
EXHIBITION HISTORY/CV
Solo - April–May 2026: Various Acrylic Paintings - Bothell City Hall Gallery (Bothell, WA)
Solo - July–Aug 2025: "A Family of Stories" YC Prescott Art Gallery (Prescott, AZ)
Solo - May 2025: "Another World Within" featured at The Gallery by MUI (gallerymui.com)
Solo - June 2011: "Many Paths" The Triple Door (Seattle, WA)
Solo - Dec. 2008: "Do Narwhals Have Blowholes?" Hiawatha Artist Gallery (Seattle, WA)
Solo - Aug. 1995: "Church & State" Sarah Spurgeon Gallery (Ellensburg, WA)
Group - Sept. 2026 - "The Awakening Magazine Volume 8 Show" Chapter 30 Studios (Oxnard, CA)
Group - Sept.–Oct. 2026: "Grief" Ghost Gallery (Seattle, WA)
Group - Sept.–Nov. 2026: Shelton Civic Center Art Gallery (Shelton, WA)
Group - Aug.–Oct. 2026: "Illuminate" Graphite Arts Center (Edmonds, WA)
Group - March. 2026 - "Edges and Boundaries" Slip Stitch Gallery (Seattle, WA)
Group - Nov. 2024: "What's The Story" Chatwin Arts Gallery (Seattle, WA)
Group - Oct. 2022: "Raven Brings the Light" featured at "Magix" Biafarin Online Exhibition
Group - Sept. 2022: "What Mask Do You Wear?" Sidereal Collective Gallery (Seattle, WA)
Group - Mar. 2017: "Collectors Choice" Studio Channel Islands (Camarillo, CA)
Group - Mar. 2014: "Year In Review 2013" See.Me Exhibition Space (New York, NY)
Group - Oct. 2013: "Creatives Rising" See.Me (New York, NY)
Group - Dec. 2012: Trinity (Seattle, WA)
Group - June–Aug. 2012: Ink Life (Olympia, WA)
Group - April–May 2011: Art On The Ridge (Seattle, WA)
Group - May. 2002: Lower Level Gallery (Seattle, WA)
Group - Sept. 2000: "The 3/Three Matts" Studio 8 (Seattle, WA)
PUBLICATIONS
"Connection" featured in The Awakening Magazine Vol. 8, Sept. 2026
"Air Guitar" & "Man On A Park Bench" featured in Seattle Civic Magazine, May 2026
"Rise" featured in Presence Magazine, June 2020
"The Maze - It Was An Inside Job" featured in Perceptions Magazine of the Arts 2010
AWARDS & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
-
Farell Merit Scholarship Award for Art culminating in a showing of 20 pieces at the Sarah Spurgeon Gallery in Ellensburg, WA.