Meet Matthew Monahan | Artist and Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Matthew Monahan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matthew, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
The most important thing that my wife and I have done to impact our children is to prioritize our own relationship. Our kids have grown up in the midst of a committed relationship characterized by transparency of our own faults, forgiveness, and unconditional, sacrificial love.

Today, I see in my children (two of them are now adults!) a security and confidence that I never had, and I think much of this is rooted in what I wrote above. My wife and I are both teachers, and with five kids our lives are materially modest. Having said that, I see in my kids a wealth that can’t be lost or depreciated.

I’m currently an aspiring artist, and creating beautiful things is one of my greatest joys. My kids are are one of the most beautiful artworks I’ll likely have the privilege to be a part of making.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In my approach to printmaking, I take an actual fish and carefully prepare it before painting it with ink and rubbing paper against it for a finely detailed monoprint.

There are many artists doing this, but I’d like to think that what sets me apart is my use of color theory in mixing all my colors from simple pigments and well-executed compositions that are inclusive to a broad audience.

I’m still in my greatest challenge, which is building a second profession in the midst of a demanding career and large family. I once described it as “baby steps” to a friend and mentor. He corrected me and told me, “Not baby steps, ratchet clicks. You’re getting there, one click at a time.” That’s been a perfect analogy.

My art has the potential to help people see a part of the natural world that may have been previously invisible, or to see it in a new way. Ultimately, my art connects people to the natural world and inspires them to act in harmony with it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Of course I’m biased, but floating and/or fishing the Chattahoochee and the Georgia Aquarium would be on the short list.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My long time friend and mentor, A. Tucker Pennington, was a formative influence on me in the early days of staring my art business. He saw the potential of my dream long before I did and has encouraged me in so many ways from wisdom, to start up funds.

Website: www.themightybluegill.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themightybluegill

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themightybluegill

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/themightybluegill