[Matthew Dibble](https://www.cohart.com/u/mjdibble)'s work is a dance of gesture and form, where every mark on canvas resonates with movement and intention. These Abstract Expressionist pieces capture the raw energy of action, while the figurative work invites viewers into a world populated by distorted, otherworldly figures that emerge from textured, layered surfaces.

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##### Can you describe your artistic process? What materials and techniques do you typically use?

My process revolves around experimentation and spontaneity. I’ve been working with gestural abstraction for a long time, and every time I step into the studio, it's an exploration. I never know exactly where the work will take me, which is what keeps it fresh and energizing. I use various materials at hand to create unity on the canvas. Boots on the ground, I respond to what’s unfolding in front of me, allowing the moment to guide the work.

##### What themes or concepts are you most passionate about exploring in your work?

While I work in abstraction, I often find myself returning to the human form—though not in a traditional sense. My figures emerge from a series of pen and ink drawings I’ve worked on over the years, projected onto large canvases. These distorted, other-worldly creatures, as they’ve been described, hold a certain mystery for me. I don’t overanalyze them; I just let them emerge as they do.

##### How do your personal experiences influence your art?

I see myself as the quintessential Rust Belt artist. My experience in the trades, particularly as a roofer, has shaped the rough charm of my work, which people respond to. Cleveland, with its gritty history and evolving art scene, has been a great influence on me. Having a studio here has kept me grounded and connected to a community of artists who are constantly surprising me with their work ethic and creativity.

##### Who are some of your biggest artistic influences, and how have they shaped your practice?

The Cleveland music scene in the late '70s was a huge influence—bands like Devo really opened my mind creatively. Beyond that, I’ve drawn a lot from art history. But, ultimately, I’d say my practice is shaped by persistence. I studied art history, but it was my own long journey in the arts that humbled me and taught me to keep going no matter what.

##### What role does collaboration play in your work? Have you collaborated with other artists or disciplines?

Collaboration has been a big part of my journey. I’ve worked with other artists and musicians in various capacities, from building crates for international museum shows to throwing underground art shows in Cleveland’s abandoned buildings. Those were exciting times, and I look back on them fondly. Collaboration reminds me of the importance of community in the creative process.

##### How do you define success as an artist? What does it look like for you?

Success, for me, is being able to do what I love full-time. I started out working in the trades while painting on the side for years. Social media gave me the platform to share my work more broadly, and now I’m a full-time artist. That’s success to me—staying committed to my practice and making a living from it.

##### Can you share a specific project or piece that holds special significance for you? Why is it important?

I’d say my gestural paintings hold the most significance because they represent my journey. Each one is a continuation of the last, evolving over time. They feel timeless to me because they never lose their ability to surprise and engage me. I’ve been painting the same painting for decades, and it still excites me.

##### How do you engage with your audience, and what do you hope they take away from your work?

I engage with my audience primarily through online platforms. It’s been an incredible way to connect with collectors and sell my work. I hope people take away a sense of energy and movement from my paintings—that they can feel the spontaneity and immediacy of the moment in which each piece was created.

##### What challenges have you faced in your artistic career, and how have you overcome them?

The biggest challenge has been staying persistent through years of painting without much recognition. For about 25 years, I was painting and working in the trades, with very little notice of my art. But I never gave up, and when social media came along, I had a large body of work ready to share. That persistence paid off, and now I’m able to focus solely on my art.

##### In what ways do you think art can contribute to social change or address current issues in society?

Art is a powerful tool for reflection and conversation. While my work isn’t overtly political, I think any art that engages people emotionally can contribute to social change. It allows people to see the world through a different lens, whether that’s through abstraction or more figurative work.

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Cleveland's seasoned artist speaks of his experience, perseverance, and abstract visions of the human forms.

Spotlight: Matthew Dibble's Gestural Abstract Art

Busters Groovy Echo, Matthew Dibble

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