Matt Dodge
Sculpted Photographs

"Modern images that document contemporary man’s celebration of the eternal earth,”
responds Matt Dodge, when asked to describe his artwork.
“I blend the excitement of my experiences with a primal urge to create.” Dodge’s experiences, coming from a mountain existence, are a combination of adventure and awe. His pieces, part punk, pop, and psychedelic, are also part past, present, and future.

Dodge’s labor is the exploration of form, based upon natural imagery. Throughout his body of work exists a consistent theme of examining the relationship between man and nature. Dodge’s unique process, starting with snapshot photographs of the outdoor world, involves
several layers of varying art and graphic
techniques, resulting in one-of-a-kind, hand-colored, hand-etched photographic products, which he terms “sculpted photographs”. He
adds, “ I create, somewhat unconsciously, mixing visual imagery taken from my life in the Sierra with the swirling abstractions that reside deep within my soul. Ultimately, the finished creation should translate visually the potency of life that I lust.”

Dodge resides in Incline Village, Nevada, on the north shore of Lake Tahoe. A snowboard pioneer and former world champion, he remains an active outdoor athlete and adventurer, using adrenaline to fuel his imagery.

Matt Dodge received the degree Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Click here to see a portfolio page of Matt Dodge’s unique mixed-media “Sculpted Photographs”
and more information and resume’.

See images from Matt Dodge’s exhibit SIERRA SERENADE, featured att the North Tahoe Arts Center in Tahoe City, February, 2007.

SCULPTED PHOTOGRAPHS an explanation of the process

Matt Dodge uses a unique, self developed artistic technique that he has come to label “sculpted photographs”. Combining the artistic theories studied while obtaining the degree Bachelor of Fine Arts (sculpture emphasis) with the graphic arts training he experienced while working in the creative department of a world-wide advertising agency, Dodge’s process has evolved over many years.

Starting with snap-shot photographs taken while pursuing outdoor activities, he then performs very basic digital manipulation to the images. Black and white paper printouts of these efforts are then cut and pasted by hand to form a collage, often adding other elements including pencil drawing and graphic tape. The compositions are then transferred to a digital file and printed (to specified sizes) on archival photographic paper (still in black and white). Then another series of hands-on alterations occur, where color is added (using photographic dyes, china markers, soft pastels, soft pencils, acrylic and oil paints) and various forms of etching bring texture to the paper. Newer experiments have been printed on canvas, with final details processed by hand. Every result is a one-of-a-kind, hand-made art treasure.