My name is Matthew John Atkinson, I am from Gravesend and I am… I am an evolving work in progress, thinking I was one thing and turning out to be something else unexpected. The unexpected is sometimes better, but it is often born out of failure.  It is a strange thing to condense one’s self to something as reductive as a singular summary statement, but here goes… I am an artist, and creative business owner.

For the longest period of my life, I was regimented in the idea that I was going to be an artist and a successful one at that.

My family were supportive of my interest in art from an early age and I was always encouraged to pursue creative endeavours. Being creative gave me a way to express and communicate, sometimes in ways that only through retrospect does one understand their own process or message. Maturing into a young adult, whilst suffering of double kidney failure from Vasculitis Wegner’s granulomatosis an autoimmune disease, I embarked on my university journey studying fine art and later the Turps Art school.

After university I took part in some amazing art residencies in Marseille and London with exhibitions in Milan and as far as Seoul. I absolutely love painting. The act, the focus and thought process, the smell of paint and the conversations it can spark.

However, years later and with the pressures of not living up to my own self-imposed expectations and slow creeping of impending responsibilities, priorities shifted and perspectives changed.

I foresaw a difficult future, so I shifted my paradigms and sort a new path that could harness my creativity and a sense of self fulfilment and worth.

I saw a gap in the market for painting panels. I was at the time already fabricating my own for my own painting practice.

Artist Surfaces was born from very humble beginning in my parent’s garage.  I was not business minded, nor did I have the knowledge or skills of carpentry. What I did have was motivation and a haunch for problem solving with the School of Youtube for technical support.

These two attributes are probably my biggest facets and part of the reason for the success of the company. The road has been long and difficult but have relished the challenge, especially because my brother joined the company as a partner and we been working and supporting each other for the past 7 years.

What I have learned through my troubles and tribulations is that no one can ever do anything completely by their on their own merit. Behind every success there is always a supportive network and team. For me this starts with my family and expands to my friendship group and colleagues.

Artist Surfaces creates warp free museum grade surfaces and we have the pleasure with working with some of the best artists in the world. We have created surfaces that adorn the walls of famous museums and important collections around the globe.

Artist Surfaces recently moved into our new permanent workshop in Northfleet. A building that was held together by saw dust and asbestos. After 18 months of renovations, blood sweat and tears, we finally moved in. Creating a low carbon workplace for future stability and sustainability. This was a project I was keen to execute.

Everyday at Artist Surfaces is different. We create bespoke painting panels with a multitude of materials, shape and sizes. Day to day the team are split equally between self-led with freedom to arrange their own work pattern and deadline team fabricating. It is a melee of vigorous graft and satisfying results.

The new building has two floors. The first floor is utilised as Artist Surfaces. The second floor was empty and vacant, and it got me thinking… 

Once upon a time when I had hair, I longingly searched for artist studios, but alas I could not find anything that existed with the provision that I was looking for in the local area. Sir Peter Blake the famous and influential contemporary artist once studied at the Gravesend School of Art (now the Victoria Art Centre). He is sadly part of the eroded heritage which has become just a footnote in the rich history of Gravesham.

Fast forward 15 years and I am now in a position where I have a property that has all the right ingredients to harbour creative studios. With support of my partner, the local council and Mandy Hare from GAS, Clubb’s Yard Studios was established.

A dream turned reality. 13 creative studios with a residency program and professional development and education program. The studios are influenced by my past experiences such as the Florence Trust, Loughborough University, the Turps Art School and my time as an ambassador for the UKNA.

With the introduction of creative studios, we can now welcome back artists that would enrich the cultural and social fabric of Gravesham while celebrating and nurturing the importance of our own creative talent. It was vital to create a legacy of long-term space and infrastructure for the creative community that could in turn deliver social and cultural value for Gravesham. It is important for me to pertain and impart something positive in my local environment. I am incredibly excited to be part of this new creative awakening and growing community.

Sadly, due to the health and demands of running the business my own painting practice is paused. I am the proud father of twin girls that I love and adore, and it is a choice between practicing in my studio on the weekends or see my children. I love painting, but I love my family more. Nevertheless, no need to fret, I will be building a home studio for the family in the garden as both a creative hub of explorative fun and refuge. I do still make paintings, but they currently only exist in the mind. One day they will exist in the real.

www.artistsurfaces.co.uk