Matthew Tucker has always loved numbers and patterns and he’s been able to develop this passion by creating geometric paintings at Mapura Studios for over 15 years. His paintings are abstract, but very structured and detailed.

He first started art at Mt Roskill Grammar School. “I started when I was at secondary school. I did 5 years of that. At school, I had an hour a week, whereas here, because I’m here twice a week I have 4 and a half hours per week.”

Matthew Tucker, And I Walk Through Darkness Into Light, 2022

Matthew attends Studio Practice on Wednesday morning and Open Studio One on Tuesday morning.

Studio Practice is aimed at our more experienced, long-term artists. They work in a self directed manner, identifying and developing ideas of their own choosing; they are encouraged to gather resources and undertake simple research towards their work.

Many of the artists become very enthused about this – and are dedicated in their research, exploring new ideas and ways of working not only in the studio but at home.

Open Studio One offers a supportive, empathetic learning environment for artists to develop a sense of creative community and be involved in meaningful creative industry. Art tutors / therapists encourage artists to be self-directed, to explore content of personal interest and significance, and to develop their own, unique style.

Recently, Matthew has started doing art at home using a sketchbook and pencil. Matthew loves seeing his art exhibited through the Mapura Studios Exhibition Programme. “It feels fabulous. I feel as if I’m wanted in the art world”, says Matthew.

"I’d tell them that ultimately I have great fun completing art. I’d also tell them I enjoy the company. I’d also tell them that I exhibit a lot and I’m famous (laughs). I have no idea how they would react. "