Matt Wilt and his Object Lessons

Matt Wilt is the artist behind Object Lessons, a solo show of mixed-media art that engages with absurdity and the power of objects in our lives.

Matt Wilt opens his artist statement by saying, “My work is inspired by historical ceramics as well as the flotsam and jetsam of contemporary culture.” He goes on to describe a range of influences, from Moche ceramics of Pre-Columbian Peru, to Dada and Surrealist art, to the human body, ultimately reflecting on what it means to be a person living in the 21st century United States. In his exhibition at Clay Art Center, Wilt transforms the Gallery space into an enigmatic and thought-provoking environment, with careful attention paid to lighting, shadows, and the integration of the walls, ceiling, and floors of the space, which invites the viewer to engage with his work from all directions. The pieces are made up of ceramic in combination with steel, wood, rubber, and concrete, and can feel in turns whimsical and unnerving. According to the artist, he hopes to, “inspire both students and the public to view materials and art-making in a more expansive and experimental way.” We caught up with Wilt to talk about the power of art, his creative process, and the humanity of it all.

In his work and in our conversation, Wilt connects the power of artwork with the power of belief, and how human perceptions can become a created reality (“for better and for worse,” says Wilt). Because artwork speaks to us as viewers, offering a new perception or different lens on reality, it allows us to consider entirely different perspectives. Wilt states that, “The ability of artwork to transport another person to a different narrative or reality, or a new way of thinking about something, and have the viewer believe or connect in that way is powerful.” Sometimes, this new narrative might come in the form of a familiar object - human anatomy or a piece of trash - that’s made new and strange through Wilt’s treatment. This familiarity, and the memories associated with it, are exactly the point. Wilt shares that, “I love objects of all sorts that have distinct associations - books, records, homemade cassette tapes, old guitars, shoes, found objects, dog collars, diner mugs... Anything that transports a person to a different time or place or memory. Clay pots and ceramic objects of all types are time travelers - they touch people across decades, centuries, even millennia. They resonate with people because we recognize ourselves and a shared experience with others through these objects.” So, if you look at Wilt’s piece Insignificant Other and see a partially deflated balloon, you might not be too far off.

When asked about his approach, Wilt noted that it isn’t always the same, and the process changes in small ways depending on what he’s making, what it’s intended for, and where he’s currently finding inspiration. “Lately I've been so involved in researching historical ceramics that I find new ideas developing from what I've learned about some ancient traditions,” Wilt says, “Mostly I start from simple drawings and choose processes that I hope will be the best way to manifest those sketchbook ideas. While in-progress, new ideas begin to pop up or there's a problem or unexpected challenge, and that often leads to some measure of improvisation (for better and for worse).“

Lastly, we asked Wilt if he had any advice for ceramicists, whether they were just starting out or many years into their journey. He had this to share: “Advice has been called a "dangerous gift" because it relies on one person's experience and perspective - and that doesn't often correlate to another person's experience or fit their personal goals. That being said, teachers give advice all the time, and I've had great teachers throughout my life - some of my favorite quotes from them are things like: Notice what you notice; Your sketchbook is your portable studio; Process saves us from the poverty of our intentions; Pray to God, but hammer away; Work begets work; and lastly, With clay, be humble, or prepare to be humbled.” Advice might be a dangerous gift, but we’d bet “be humble, or prepare to be humbled” will resonate with anyone who has worked with clay before.

You can view Matt Wilt’s Object Lessons online and at in the Clay Art Center Gallery now until May 31st, 2025.