Matt Emery Artist

Bio

Matt is predominantly a self-taught artist who came to art later in life and by complete accident. Whilst trying to entertain his daughter on a rainy Saturday afternoon, painting with his daughter Matt realised he had a talent and a passion for painting and pursued it.

Initially he used painting as a means to relax and wind down from an often-stressful day job, it wasn’t long before he decided that he wanted to take this hobby to the next level and develop his techniques and skills. He sought guidance and mentorship from renowned artist Emil Nikolla, and quickly began to see improvements in his work.  

Matt has been commissioned by several military units to create bespoke pieces, the largest to date a scene from 36 Engineer Regiment on United Nations humanitarian operations in South Sudan; which hangs in Park House a beautiful Grade II listed building and the Regiments’ Officers Mess.  As well as a piece hanging in the Commanding Officer’s office at 101 Engr regt.

In Oct 2022 Matt was approached by Gravesham borough council with regards to an exhibition at St Marys art centre Gravesend. They were hosting an exhibition of various artists in honour of remembrance. Matt obviously jumped at the chance and exhibited 13 paintings the most of any artist in the show. The Sapper magazine, and the Royal Engineers caught wind of this and covered it in the magazine and social media.

As a result of this in Nov 22 Matt was approached by the Royal Engineers Museum and asked whether he would be prepared to exhibit paintings there as a solo exhibition for 3 months. He did not need to be asked twice and leapt at the opportunity and installing 20 paintings inside the museum. This exhibition was featured in the Sapper magazine and Soldier magazine as well as social media. In 2024 Matt is pleased to be working with the museum again as their artist in residence.

Matt is often asked what he paints and what inspires him “I love to paint images that inspire or intrigue me. I lean heavily on my personal life experiences, to bring life and realism to the paintings. I want the viewer to be able to connect with the image and view it as if looking through my eyes. I am inspired by JMW Turner and Terrence Cuneo.  Their use of materials and composition and the way they are able to make the painting live.  I also favour oils much as they did as a medium and love the texture depth and richness, I feel it brings to the paintings” says Matt of his work.

To date Matt has sold paintings and shipped them all over the UK, Germany, New Zealand, Australia, and USA. Matt is also completing a degree in art have his own website www.memeryarts.co.uk and Instagram memeryart802 and is always looking for opportunities to exhibit more.

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Artists Statement:

I am drawn to capturing whatever I find beautiful—moments and images that compel me, that demand to be preserved. My work is not concerned with the shocking, the political, or the provocative for its own sake. Beauty, in my view, should exist without an agenda; it should simply be appreciated for what it is. My art is a celebration of this simple yet profound idea.

 

I am particularly captivated by the abandoned—the marks humanity leaves on the landscape—and how, over time, nature reclaims what was once its own. The passage of time fascinates me: the way it shapes and erodes, whether it’s the surface of an object or the lines on a face. My work seeks to capture and highlight these every day, ordinary subjects—the unsung heroes of life. From farmyards to abandoned cars to military relics, I am intrigued by the lives that have passed through these places and objects, and the stories they silently tell.

 

Energy, colour, and narrative are central to my art. When I paint, I aim to create an emotional connection between the viewer and the piece, inviting them to pause, to not just look but truly see. I want the energy of the painting to be felt—the story behind it to be understood and experienced.

 

Each piece I create is its own journey. My art inspires me, driving me with a passion that feels insatiable, like an addiction. Every work begins with a spark—an image or scene that ignites my imagination—and my goal is to bring it to life on the canvas, to share its story with the world.

 

Oil paints and pastels feel like home to me. Their tactile nature, the richness of colour, and the ability to blend and build depth are essential to my process. These mediums allow me to work expressively, with loose, dynamic mark-making that feels alive. Influenced by the likes of Turner, Cuneo and Freud, I am drawn to the thick, textured layers of paint that create a tangible sense of depth and movement.

 

Ultimately, my work is a reflection of my personal experiences and the world as I see it. I want viewers to connect with my images as though they’re seeing through my eyes, to feel the stories that these ordinary yet extraordinary subjects have to tell.

 

Within this exhibition you will see many different subject maters from military scenes inspired by my service, but also Landscapes and still life’s and even the abandoned. They are all scenes r things that have interested me. I could describe my artistic interests as being interested in the relationship between the natural world and humanity. What I mean by this is the interaction between the two and the impact each has on the other and the impermanence of it hence my interest in the abandoned. I am drawn to the emotional as well as physical traces people have on places. This is something that has intrigued me from childhood.

If you want to know more about Matt and his work visit his website www.memeryarts.co.uk or his Etsy shop on www.etsy.com/shop/memeryarts

Testimonials.

I commissioned a painting from Matt to reflect our period of operational duty working for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, and would just like to say what a pleasure it is to recommend him.

He is very passionate about his art and this reflects in the diligence, service and attention to detail that he passes onto the customer. During our initial meetings with Matt, he quickly understood our requirement, and made helpful suggestions as to how we could develop the painting. His enthusiasm and professionalism were both outstanding. His artwork is different from others out there and no matter what we asked for, he delivered; capturing the uniqueness of serving in South Sudan with the United nations perfectly. 

I knew very early on that I could  rely on him completely. If anyone is looking for something different in original art work, just get in touch with him; I am confident you will not be disappointed. 

Lt Col Mark Jones MBE RE, Task Force Commander Operation TRENTON 5 South Sudan

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“When friends of mine had achieved one of life’s milestones and became the proud owners of their beautiful house, I found myself searching for a suitable gift to mark the momentous occasion. Having seen lots of Matts work I commissioned him to paint the beautiful Grade 2 listed building. I genuinely couldn’t have been more pleased with the outcome. Matt did a fantastic job, not only in creating an amazing bespoke painting in his unique style but also with his attention to detail and absolute commitment to getting it just right. Matt I can not thank you enough, my friends were over the moon and your painting hangs pride of place in their forever home!”   G Masters.