Art by Matt Rodriguez
What is Rodriguez Artt?
A central coast native, Matt Rodriguez’s abstract imagery and playful style are an engaging mix of refined eccentricity and counterculture street art.
Artistically inclined since childhood, Rodriguez draws from a multifaceted background in media arts, working as a graphic designer and professional potter for over 10 years before becoming known for the childlike wonder and Picasso-esque iconicism of his paintings.
“My Art embodies my aproach to life; playfull, bold, sparatic yet fluid, both colorfull and dull, and usually more about the process and not necessarily the end result. You don’t need paint to paint. Make art with whatever is at hand. Enjoy your ability to live, create and engage with the material world and those that occupy it. Live Free, Create and ...
Do Stuff ”
“I paint for those who appreciate color, who play boldly, live in the moment, and look past the surface. I paint to satisfy my never-ending desire to cover the canvas.”
matt@rodriguezartt.com
(805) 669-6872
© David Pricco
An undeniable fixture of the Funk Zone, Rodriguez Artt can be found in numerous locations around Santa Barbara. You may recognize his work from the State Street Piano Project, or from one of his many Santa Barbara murals—the most recent of which can be found at the Haley St. YMCA.
Over the years, Rodriguez has been a participating artist for both i madonnari and the Santa Barbara Solstice parade; assisted with numerous Fishbon projects, worked on the Walkabout Woods art installation for Burningman, and co-founded Lucidity Festival.
© David Pricco
Rodriguez’s ever-evolving style is both progressive and accessible; a true artist of his community, home no matter where he goes.
“People often ask me if I know what I’m painting before I start:
I don’t.
It’s about the process for me, about playing and interacting with reality, time, space, and their constraints.
I was a ceramicist until I broke my shoulder blade in a bike accident in San Francisco and while immobilized, I began to paint.
Life isn’t always something you can plan; art is the same way.”
