It is not the first time that Lodown presents the artwork of Matt W. Moore, we are actually pretty much fans of his graphics. To remind the Lodown readers, Matt W. Moore is the founder of the design and illustration studio MWM Graphics, working to the credo of “range is conducive to growth” (check Lodown #93 and here). As a multifaceted artist, his playground is large and worldwide, from geometrical graffiti to canvas or even carpets and fashion. Indeed, we talked about patterns, geometrical shapes and fabric since he just created a capsule collection for Denham SS’15. Many of Matt’s most memorable projects have been at the intersection of art, design, mathematics and often involve substantial collaborative processes.

Hi Matt, long time no see! You are a multifaceted artist with impressive skills. How do you do transfer from one media to another?

I really enjoy working in different disciplines and cross-pollinating ideas and discoveries from one to the next. This is when I feel most alive creatively, and where my strongest works come from. I am always striving to learn new techniques, programs, processes. I strongly believe in the saying “Range is conducive to growth.”

Your art is quite abstract with a lot of geometrical colourful shapes, which you actually call “vectorfunk”. Where this name coming from and how did these graphics come to your mind ? 

Vectorfunk is the name I gave to the abstract digital artwork that I create digitally. Vector graphics are created by arranging points to create form, as opposed to raster graphics that are made up of pixels. Many years ago while I was in school learning graphic design I immersed myself in this method of rendering images. The work that I do in this style is inspired by abstract geometry, optical illusions, and freeform compositions. Most of my Vectorfunk work celebrates vibrant colors and unique combinations. My goal is always to grab the viewer and ask them to fall into the design following a line through the piece, or trying to evaluate what is in front and what's behind. Colorful abstract mazes of form and color.

How do you choose your collaborations? Which criteria apply? Or do you follow your instinct?

I have been really fortunate to have these opportunities to collaborate with great brands that I truly respect. It’s an honor to join forces with folks that I believe in, whether it’s other designers, studios, or brands. No project is too big or too small. I started out doing one-off tees for streetwear brands and I still love to do these projects. It’s so rad to be walking down the street and see someone rocking one of my designs, or when I’m riding down a mountain and scoping someone on the chairlift with one of the snowboards I created graphics for. With the release of this new ‘Indigo Byzantine’ collection with Denham I am hyped to make my first sighting in the nature of the tees, tops, and coats. Especially for the geo-camo tee, with it’s clever fade, I imagine it will be noticed from quite a distance as if the person has just arrived from a walk through a rainstorm from the sky with diamonds.

How different is it to work for big companies compared to the small ones? Do you keep a certain freedom in the creative process?

Great collaborations are built on a foundation of respect and trust from both sides. The process is always exciting working towards the best possible outcome. Some of my proudest design work has been the result of great direction from brand teams. I have grown most as a designer working as a member of these team efforts. I look up to many folks I have worked with over the years as my mentors, grateful for the energy they invested, their guidance, and the trust they have in me. It’s really not about the size of the brand or the scope of the project, at the end of the day it is the people on the ground making moves that really make the magic happen.

One of you latest projects is a capsule collection for Denham SS’15 and your signature is very recognizable. How did this come about and what was the overall concept for this project?

It was a natural process with Liam and team briefing me on the collection’s overall direction and aesthetic influences. From there I explored many different options and unique ways to tile my rendition of the scissors into hexagonal grids. Then I handed off those assets to Denham and they walked it through sampling and various applications. As with all ‘Denham House Guest Artist’ projects, the scissors were the beginning point of the graphic exploration. We decided that my optical-illusion abstracted geometry was a good fit for this collection, so I designed the scissors into a diamond camouflage pattern. It worked out quite well to have them fit within a parallelogram that when repeated became a hexagon well suited for repeat tiling.

You seem quite busy… What is your routine to find inspiration? Do you have a favourite spot or routine in your hometown? Which influences do you have in terms of music, artists or anything else….? 

For me inspiration has everything to do with perspective, taking time to reflect, researching outside of the art and design world. Anything can spark an idea if it is considered in a new light. Travel is always a breath of fresh air. Especially true when it is to a foreign land with a sensory overload of unseen sights, but also it’s really important for me to clear my mind and go for a nice hike in the woods and really look around. Music always gets my gears turning too. And of course my creative friends, the genius work they create, and their perspectives and smart discussions on theory, history, opinion on past, present, and future.

There were already several collaborations with brands that are involved in board sports. How do link sports with your design? Are you passionate about any?

These sports are so much about being freestyle and fun, always trying new things and pushing oneself to the next level even if it is scary or seems impossible. There is a real parallel for me with board sports and art, especially graffiti, which is so much about going big and fast and being expressive. I am a very mathematical mind. When I am riding and planning a trick I am actually seeing the geometry of the space and little lines and measurements start popping up in my imagination. I feel the S-curves when I ride and I play with them in the same way I move a paintbrush. An exciting imaginary landscape. Choose your own adventure.

Your body of work is already huge. Do you have a project for which you are the most proud of as designer? And what’s next on your list? 

Very excited for this year. Lots of international travel for murals and in-situ 3D work this Summer. I will be doing a three month artist residency and solo exhibition in SF at 886 Geary. Currently launching Core Deco 2015 offerings including new jacquard loom throws, ceramic tiles, and some awesome furniture collaborations. Very much looking forward to getting back on my bike and back to the bricks painting on big walls after a long cold winter in Montreal.

You painted a lot of murals around the world. I really like the one you made in Paris on the Saint-Martin canal. When do you plan to pay us a visit in Berlin and paint a mural? 

Thanks! That was a really fun mural. Paris is a great city to paint. Berlin is awesome. I really enjoy the energy there and I very much look forward to returning for some murals. I am ready whenever you are!