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Colin Matthes at home

Contributor Interview: Colin Matthes

November 25, 2018
Interview, Midwest Review 6 (2018)

What is your connection to the Midwest? 
It’s in my blood – I leave and always come back.

Favorite places or features of the region?
People, culture, drinking, work ethic, glaciated areas - Kettle Moraine, House on the Rock, Lake Michigan - wingnuts, family, county fairs.

What is your favorite season of the year?
The best is the change, embracing whatever season you are in! It is summer now.

Has the Midwest been an influence or inspiration for your work, and if so, how?
The Midwest has largely defined me and my work – look and you should feel it. 

Pencil, pen, typewriter, computer?
Ummm pen and ink. Avoid computer as much as possible – a part of the toolbox though.

What’s the best job you’ve ever had? 
In retrospect they were all so good for many reasons. I loved working with friends and drinking beer and smoking weed at Kens Town Inn Pizza Place, working with my dad at county fairs and trailer parks installing electric, and now I’m a gallery director at UW-Parkside and an artist. For a while it was awesome working full time as an artist.

What’s the worst job you ever had?
I think the worst job was Adjunct Professor because of how much you know you are getting abused – how unjust it all seems. I look back much more fondly at my job as a Ben Franklin cashier.

What do you do in your free time?
What’s that? I have kids and a wife now – I love playing with em, hikes, swims, grills, bikes, beers, shows, cuddles, building stuff, fixing shit, helping out friends and family.

Favorite food or beverage?
Beers

Do you have a pet?
No

What’s on your radar now? Current projects?
Just finished a Green Mini Demo Derby event at The Midwest Renewable Energy Association Energy Fair in Custer, Wisconsin. Now I am making some Essential Knowledge Drawings about wearing a gas mask, disciplining toddlers, and self-help, among other things. I am hoping to make a book for all these drawings (about 70) and am talking to an awesome publisher. Prepping for a show at Roots and Culture in Chicago this winter, refinishing our porch, trying to be good at raising 2 kids and be a good partner. I think I’m out of space.

colinmatthes.com

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