Transforming Nature into Art: Basketry and Beyond with Matt Tommey

On a recent episode of Textiles & Tea, hosted by Kathi Grupp of the Handweaver's Guild of America, artist Matt Tommey shared the intricate tapestry of his journey into fiber art. From humble beginnings experimenting with invasive Southeastern vines to becoming a celebrated artist blending traditional basketry with modern aesthetics, Matt’s story is both inspiring and enlightening.

From Kudzu to Creativity
Matt’s artistic journey began, quite serendipitously, during his college years in Georgia. Inspired by a chance encounter with a basketry book, he ventured into the woods, pocketknife in hand, to experiment with Kudzu—a vine often dismissed as a nuisance. This initial curiosity led to a lifelong passion for working with natural materials.

“I always tell people my journey has been more about the materials than about the baskets themselves,” Matt explained. Growing up in rural Georgia, surrounded by woods, he developed a deep connection with nature. This connection became the foundation of his artistry.

Evolving from Hobbyist to Professional Artist
While Matt initially approached basketry as a hobby, his craft took on new meaning as he navigated life’s twists and turns. He often used his creative pursuits as a grounding force during periods of career uncertainty. By 2008, he began transitioning into professional artistry, moving to Asheville, North Carolina—a vibrant hub for craft and creativity.

In Asheville, Matt’s work underwent a transformation. He began to see his baskets not merely as functional items but as sculptural expressions. This shift was inspired by both his surroundings and mentors, like contemporary basketry artist Michael Davis, who encouraged him to explore new techniques and push the boundaries of traditional basketry.

Crafting Stories Through Natural Materials
A defining feature of Matt’s work is its rootedness in place. Each piece begins with a meditative journey into the woods to gather materials. Matt primarily uses Southeastern invasive species like honeysuckle, mimosa bark, and Kudzu, celebrating their resilience and beauty.

“Being in the woods is sacred for me,” Matt shared. “It’s where I feel most connected to myself and my creativity.” This deep connection to nature is evident in his work, which often mimics the organic forms and textures found in the wild.

Innovation and Artistic Voice
Matt’s artistic evolution has led him to experiment with blending basketry, sculpture, and painting. His works are often infused with encaustic wax, layered with natural pigments, and complemented by elements like copper and clay. Pieces like his large-scale wall installations showcase his ability to merge traditional craftsmanship with modern artistic sensibilities.

One pivotal moment came when an artist friend and mentor, the late Jonas Gerard, suggested elevating his baskets—literally—by creating wall-mounted installations. “When you put something on the wall, people perceive it as more valuable,” Matt recounted. This insight led to a series of commissions for high-end mountain homes, where he often harvested materials directly from clients’ properties, creating pieces imbued with personal and geographical significance.

The Importance of Connection
For Matt, art is not just about creating; it’s about connecting. Whether it’s through the materials he gathers, the stories he weaves into his pieces, or the relationships he builds with clients, connection is at the heart of his practice.

“People don’t buy art because they need it,” Matt noted. “They buy it because of the connection it creates.” This philosophy is evident in his approach to commissions, where he involves clients in the creative process, from harvesting materials to installation.

A New Direction: Nature-Inspired Reliquaries
Recently, Matt has ventured into creating "nature-inspired reliquaries," wall-mounted sculptures that combine cold wax painting, clay elements, and natural materials. These pieces, which feature niches housing small sculptural objects, represent a fusion of his basketry roots and his love for painting.

“These pieces feel like a culmination of everything I’ve done,” Matt said. “They bring together my love for texture, natural materials, and storytelling.”

Mentoring the Next Generation
Beyond his studio practice, Matt is dedicated to mentoring other artists. Through his books, workshops, and online programs, he helps artists navigate the challenges of building a creative career. “Anyone can learn technique,” he explained, “but it’s much harder to work through the emotional and mental barriers that hold us back. That's why I started our Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program, which has now helped thousands of artists worldwide start thriving spiritually, artistically, and in business.”

Matt’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of creativity, both personally and professionally. His work reminds us that art, at its core, is about finding and expressing our unique voice.

Discover Matt Tommey's Work
​To explore Matt’s stunning creations or learn more about his mentoring programs, visit his website at www.matttommey.com. Whether you’re an artist seeking inspiration or an admirer of nature-inspired art, Matt’s story and work are sure to leave a lasting impression.