Matthew
Cole
Scott

born: February 8th, 1970

Matthew Cole Scott is a Santa Cruz artist known for his comic character, his affection for cycling, and his irresistable found object assemblage art which features rusty wrenches, deconstructed piano parts, and sometimes, hearts. Born in Los Angeles in 1970, he attended school across from Frank Lloyd Wright's Hollyhock house and took art classes at the Barnsdall Park Junior Art Center. His mother, a single mom, encouraged Matthew and his sisters in the arts, providing materials and paving the way for him to use the raw materials in his immediate environment to create recycled art.

In 1982, the whole family moved to Santa Cruz, where Matthew and his sisters finished high school locally and studied for many years at Cabrillo College. While learning jewelry design from Linda Watson, 3D mixed media and metal sculpture from Jamie Abbott, and digital photography from Victoria May, he experimented until he found his true medium, found object assemblage.

From his first series in 1994, incorporating deer antlers and doll parts, to his latest series using wrenches, wings and piano keys, the sculptures are made almost entirely out of objects found at the Santa Cruz Drive-In Flea Market! A true local now, Matthew has been living in Santa Cruz for 28 years as an active member of the cycling community, professional disc golf community, and as a resident artist.

Heart and soul, Matthew is an eco-artist. Repurposing antique household items, telling stories with refuse, and juxtaposing innocent childhood symbols against the rustic and the utilitarian, he creates whimsical and charming art out of the cast-offs.

Partial Show Listing:

The Dead Cow Gallery

The Felix Kulpa Gallery

17th Avenue Studios

The Bagelry

The Cosmo Factory

Cafe Pergolesi

Gallery No. 5

The Cannery