The Remarkable Artistry of Matt Tommey
Words by Robert McEveety | Photography Courtesy of Matt Tommey
Matt Tommey’s award-winning woven masterpieces have garnered international acclaim, appearing in galleries and magazines and acting as breathtaking custom centerpieces for many of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau’s most elegant homes. His inspirational journey from a small-town Georgia boy to a world-renowned artist exemplifies the power of passion and speaks to a deep and abiding appreciation for the natural wonders of the Southeast.
Born in Columbus, Georgia, Matt’s early years were shaped by two significant influences. His love for the outdoors, cultivated during his time in the Boy Scouts, and the creative pursuits of his mother and aunt, whose twin passions for interior design and crafting with natural materials nurtured Matt’s artistic instincts.
During his years at the University of Georgia, Matt’s artistic path took a serendipitous turn. While working at the university bookstore, he happened to stumble across a book on traditional basket weaving. The spark was immediate. His first attempts at the craft began with the kudzu vines endemic to the area, resulting in simple yet elegant baskets that his friends and classmates quickly snapped up as last-minute Christmas and birthday gifts.
Right: Freeform Gradient Vessel 002. Dimensions: 11”h x 11’w x 11”d; $795. Matttommey.com
For the next 15 years, basket weaving remained a hobby for Matt, a creative outlet he pursued alongside his work. It wasn’t until 2009, when he relocated to Asheville, North Carolina, that Matt took the courageous step of turning his passion into a full-time career. Asheville’s vibrant arts scene provided the perfect environment for Matt to evolve as an artist. Setting up shop in the River Arts District, he began producing woven sculptures that embodied the rustic elegance of the Plateau.
Matt’s work is deeply rooted in the natural beauty of our community. He uses locally harvested bark, vines, and branches to create pieces that are both visually striking and environmentally conscious. Some of his most extraordinary works are his commissioned pieces, crafted with materials gathered directly from the client’s land. This personal touch allows Matt to weave centerpiece sculptures deeply connected to each home’s natural surroundings, transforming locally sourced materials into extraordinarily meaningful works of art.
In 2011, Matt’s artistic career quickly reached new heights when the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery recognized him as an American Artist Under 40. Since then, his work has been featured in numerous publications, with his most recent works available for purchase exclusively through the Philip DeAngelo Gallery in Asheville’s River Arts District.
Beyond his artistic endeavors, Matt has shown a deep commitment to helping other artists succeed. Through his mentoring program, Created to Thrive, he has guided thousands of artists working in various mediums, helping them to build successful creative careers. His teachings cover a wide range of topics, from exploring faith through art to practical matters such as pricing artwork. This dedication to mentoring is also reflected in his seven published books and a popular podcast, The Thriving Christian Artist, through which he shares his insights and inspirations.
In recent years, Matt’s artistic vision has continued to evolve. His latest works push the envelope of traditional basketry by incorporating innovative and unexpected materials such as southeastern invasive species, encaustic wax, and recycled metal. These truly wild and wonderful creations continue to thrill the art world and grace homes across the Plateau.
Matt Tommey’s story is one of transformation—not just of foraged materials into beautiful works of art, but of a plucky hobbyist into a master craftsman. His work encourages us to see the beauty in the ordinary and appreciate the intricate relationship between art and nature. From his early days in Georgia to his current international acclaim, Matt’s woven sculptures continue to captivate and inspire, serving as a testament to his artistry, his vision, and the enduring appeal of handcrafted beauty in our modern world.
To learn more about Matt Tommey, visit Matttommey.com.