Orca Studio
An artful romance with life
Biography / Contact / Print Purchase
Spokane (Washington) native, John R. Matthews, has been creating original digital art work since 1998, and had his first gallery showing in 2003. Since that time, he has sold his gilcee prints to patrons across the United States and Canada. He no longer actively markets his prints, though they are available through the Orca Studio website. Rather, his daily routine has become working with acrylics in large format (i.e., 34"x46"), and casting his cares to the wind regarding any future sales.
"A strange thing happened when I ended up with a couple artworks in the National Museum of Naval Aviation - the challenge to become known flat-lined, went zilch, my interest and intent hit a plateau. Like the song, "Is That All There Is", I wondered what do I do now? The first thing I did was leave Florida, with a little help from hurricane Ivan."
Matthews returned to his hometown (Autumn, 2004) to put his life back in some kind of order. He recalls, "Doing art, I've always felt much like a young pup might feel - a certain amount of reckless abandon, out to see the world. I've lived with a vegetarian 5-string bass player from Liverpool, and have spent time alone in a 12'x12' cabin next to a bass fishing pond. I've enjoyed living a stone's throw from the Gulf of Mexico and residing, comfortably, back home again, in a spacious condo - all the while continuing my art work.
"Art is a big thing in my life. When asked where I am going with it, I tell folks I'm on my way to somewhere, being between here and there at the present time. To create is an excellent odyssey for my soul and spirit." Referring to the poet, Horace, Carpe Diem (seize the day, enjoy life before it is too late), without getting stupid, suites him just fine. His motto, "You only go around once on this old mud ball." Matthews adds, "and keep your brushes wet for the duration."
Publications
- Living Artists - 13th Ed., Art Network Press
- Flight Tower - NAS Whiting Field, Florida
- Pensacola Journal - Florida
Past Gallery Exhibitions / Events
- Down Under Gallery - Spokane Valley, Washington
- Gallery West - Bellingham, Washington
- Pacific Marine Gallery - Bellingham, Washington
- Heritage Gallery - Mt. Vernon, Washington
- Amenities Gallery - LaConner, Washington
- A Means Of Expression Gallery - Pensacola, Florida
- Aviation Plaza - NAS Pensacola, Florida
- NAS Whiting Field NEX - Milton, Florida
- Gulf Breeze Celebrates The Arts Member Show - Award of Distinction
- Art, Music & More Gallery - Spokane Valley, Washington
Museums
- National Museum of Naval Aviation permanent collection - Pensacola, Florida
Volunteer / Contributor
- Make A Wish Foundation
- Spokane Art School / ArtFest
- Spokane Valley Meals On Wheels
- Pathways To Progress Mural Project / Cheney, Washington
- Community-Minded Television (CMTV Channel 14 - Spokane, WA) Artist Showcase
- Whitworth University Art Department / Spokane, WA
Current
- Uncommitted to gallery representation and/or exhibition - self-publishing only
Contact:
Print Purchase
Quality archival giclee prints are available for purchase via the Orca Studio website.
Small, square, print images measure 6"x6" on Epson Matte Ultra Premium Presentation Paper, using only Epson ink. Small, rectangular (landscape / portrait) print images measure 5"x7". Paper size is 8.5"x11". Purchase price is $20 each (includes mailing cost). Prints are mailed flat.
Large, square, print images measure 10"x10" on Epson Matte Ultra Premium Presentation Paper, using only Epson ink. Large, rectangular (landscape / portrait) print images measure 10"x14". Paper size is 11"x17". Purchase price is $40 each (includes mailing cost). Prints are sent in a mailing tube.
Please note - hues and values may not be the same as when viewed on a computer monitor.
Check or money order (US funds only) is accepted, made payable to John R. Matthews. Allow up to 3 weeks for delivery. Include title of print desired, and mailing address, with remittance. Please, no PO Box addresses (payment will be returned).
All sales are final
Mail to:
John R. Matthews
2911 E. 32nd Ave. #8
Spokane, WA 99223 USA
Abstract & Experimental Gallery Part I Part II Part III
Auto Row Gallery Part I Part II
Aviation Gallery Part I Part II Part III Part IV Part V Part VI
Eclectic Gallery Part I Part II Part III
Figurative / Portraiture Gallery Part I Part II Part III
Floral & Such Gallery Part I Part II
Landscape Gallery Part I Part II Part III
Nautical Gallery Part I Part II Part III
"Art, like morality, consists of drawing the line somewhere"
- G.K. Chesterton
The Orca Studio website is copyrighted 2006-2008 by John R. Matthews.
All images are copyrighted by John R. Matthews - All Rights Reserved.