matt lively

Virginia native Matt Lively is a sculptor, painter and muralist whose love of movies, invented themes and unconventional materials influence his work.

Artist: Born in Richmond, and graduated with a BFA in sculpture from Virginia Commonwealth University. After college, he lived in Louisville and Atlanta before moving back to Richmond.

Company/studio: Matt Lively, based in Richmond, VA, began full-time in 1993. His studio, since 2000, is a 150-year-old barn in Moseley, VA.

In the beginning: Saw “Star Wars” in the theatre when he was seven. After that, all he wanted to do was make stuff and invent stories. His parents helped by being encouraging and getting him art books.

Lively’s professional start was in Atlanta sharing a studio with a group of artists. After moving back to Richmond, he found it necessary and valuable to foster relationships with other creatives.

“I make collaboration a part of my process whenever possible,” said Lively.

Art & materials:

Primarily paintings with invented themes occasionally drifting to representational. The artist uses unconventional materials, such as tar and industrial enamels ($3,500 to $9,500).
Public sculpture in steel and aluminum.
Public and private murals for hospitals, a symphony, library and many more.

Everyday art: Creates a small painting every morning (3.5 inches by 3.5 inches, $100). Check “Small Works” on site (mattlively.com)

How he describes his art: “My work allows for multiple mediums, site-specific applications and ranges from inventive, bizarre messes to traditional plein air,” said Lively.

“My overriding theme is the natural world and humans effect on it.”

Favorite tool: Jigsaw

Inspiration: Movies.

“I like to think of my paintings as a movie still,” said Lively. “Like walking into a movie halfway through without any idea what is happening.”

Fun and special commissions: Hired to make animated segments for the 2018 documentary film “Dirtwoman,” using tar as the primary medium.

“Being able to interpret stories and have input in a film was very exciting for me,” said Lively.

Recent awards/honors: Recipient of the 2023 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Champion Award (for a water-harvesting sculpture that reduced a measurable amount of pollution).

Recent project: A mural for the town of Edenton, NC, celebrating the region’s natural elements, including its herons, osprey, blue crab, large-mouth bass, water at sunset and its famous teapot and lighthouse. Once approved, the mural (image at bottom) was completed in seven days in April 2024.

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