Discover the Dreamlike Art of Matthew Dye Influenced by Life Experiences

Who is this artist, Matthew Dye?
I’m Matthew Dye, an artist specializing in dreamlike oil paintings. Inspired by Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst, and André Breton, I don’t see myself as merely imitating their work. Instead, I continue their vision, exploring the unknown psychic landscapes—the world between waking and sleep.

My art reflects realms I truly experience, not just ones I imagine. In these places, I see and interact with what some might call dreamscapes, which often bleed into my waking life.

Why should you buy my work?
My artwork is more than a creative compulsion; it’s a way to elevate the spirit within us all. Like the alchemists of old, I seek to uplift the world around us, beginning with you. Art should evoke emotions and possess its own vibration and life, much like music.

What life experiences shape my work?
I was raised amid corn and soybean fields, where artistic opportunities were scarce. For twenty years, I shared the air with farmers, riveters, and mechanics. Though born into humble circumstances, I was rich in knowledge, surrounded by hardworking people, many of whom were WWII veterans. My father, a preacher at a small non-denominational Protestant church, passed away from a rare cancer when I was fifteen.

After this loss, I left sports behind and threw myself into art, finding expression in paint, charcoal, pastels, clay, and pencil. My teenage and early adult years were shaped by travels to the United Kingdom and Italy, where I immersed myself in the art, architecture, and culture that continue to influence my work.

For the past fifteen years, I’ve worked as a commercial graphic designer for luxury brands, my own company, and local government. I graduated from Nossi College of Art in 2012 with a degree in Graphic Design and Illustration, and I also earned an AA in Drawing and Painting. However, I found that my most valuable art education came from life experiences rather than formal schooling.

Today, I live and work in East Tennessee, where the ancient mountains connect me to the past and inspire my art. My work is driven by passion, determination, and grit.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you have any questions or need to get in touch, please feel free to contact me.

Thank you,
Matthew Dye