Matt Mroz

After his long journey across the Pacific Ocean, Matt Mroz settled in a small rustic village in Fiji. There he mainly used his artistic talents to paint native children’s faces at local rituals and gatherings. Considered homeless and a nomad by some, he managed to survive in a handmade hut constructed entirely with twigs, tall grass, guano and his own hair that he continued to grow over the years while he lived on the island.

Most of his life experience can be seen in his artwork today. There is no doubt that the beautiful landscapes and exotic creatures of the island played a huge role. Although most say it comes from the large amounts of hallucinogens he ingested from eating the natural plant life of the island.  I guess you could say his need to survive was what in turn developed his creativity and artistic passion.

After spending many years on the island Matt decided to return home to his native Illinois. He brought with him a wealth of inspiration and ideas that continues to be seen in each individual piece of his artwork. Although we don’t know much about his whereabouts and in fact we actually never see him or speak to him in person, we greatly appreciate the artwork, single fortune cookie and blank sheet of paper that he drops off randomly for us to enjoy! We know there is an insightful, heartfelt message on those blank pieces of paper….we’d like to think that we just aren’t ready to see them yet!