uncommons

In what must be a cosmic convergence hokey of visual study, it seems that both Chip and I have recently been checking out the work of Matt Mallams again. The other day I was paging though his journals and blog, and as I went to write up something on him here on uncommons, something at the office pulled me away from it blogging on the job again?. Next thing I know Chip is holding up a huge, colorful sign pointing to the ” visual pack rat” well said.

Well now is the best time as ever, so in a non-quiet back-slapping maneuver, check out the content of Matt’s site, especially the blog. While his journals have always been this devil’s food cake of delicious inspiration, his blog is equally rich and satisfying. He is one of a handful of artists who I’m privileged to know that can build the qualities of various art mediums into the tangibility of a documentary photograph.

Lunch Time, Photograph copyright Matt Mallams

I haven’t emailed Matt in awhile — it’s my fault, but of no ill-intent. Work and life often get in the way especially with moves and new environments and such. The last time we talked the conversation was over jobs and futures and getting into the business. Although life offers no certainties — only probabilities — in all likelihood of probability Matt’s career will breakout to the likes of rich-talent of Jessica Dimmock, Benjamin Lowy, or Marcus Bleasdale, just to name three circulating in my Firefox tabs today. I just wouldn’t want to see him drown at a newspaper that lacks respect for his vision or waters him down to a certain style. It would just be grimy pollution for the clear mind — and newspapers increasingly seem to do just that.

Man’s Best Friend, Photograph copyright Matt Mallams