Matthew Forehand
Bio
Matthew Forehand is a talented visual artist who has overcome many challenges to pursue his passion for art. Born to an American father and a Colombian mother, he spent his childhood traveling the world due to his parents' enlistment in the United States Air Force. This exposure to diverse cultures and natural environments throughout his life has significantly influenced his artistic practice. His art reflects his unique perspective and approach, often incorporating elements of nature and the environment.
Despite his struggles with school due to a learning disability, Matthew often found solace in art, where he could express himself through his visual literacy. During his senior year of High School, he dropped out after learning that he would be a few credits short of graduating. However, he didn't let this obstacle hold him back, and instead enrolled in the adult high school program at Pensacola Junior College (now known as Pensacola State College).
Working while finishing his high school credits was a difficult challenge, but it provided the discipline and structure for Matthew to realize that he wanted to strive for bigger goals beyond a high school degree. After finishing his Adult High School Program, he transferred to the college program at Pensacola Junior College but soon realized that continuing his education at the moment, might have not been the direction he wanted to go.
In April of 2008, Matthew enlisted in the United States Marine Corps to see if he wanted to follow his family's footsteps. After completing Recruit Training and Marine Combat Training, he was stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Despite his initial enthusiasm, Matthew realized that the Marine Corps was not his life's calling. Under the guidance of his supervisor, he started taking night classes at the base college in preparation for his life after the military.
After completing his four-year enlistment commitment, Matthew returned home to Pensacola and enrolled for the third time at Pensacola State College (Formally known as Pensacola Junior College) with a focus on general studies associate degree. However, he soon discovered the Visual Arts department and began taking elective classes. Recognizing his talent, his professor encouraged him to take his painting class, which led Matthew to realize that he wanted to pursue visual arts as a profession.
Matthew began planning his path toward his bachelor's degree in fine art and applied to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), where he got admitted. During his first year at SAIC, Matthew was able to focus solely on his studies by utilizing the GI Bill, but this comfort would soon change as the money he was receiving was coming to an end. He would soon have to supplement his income with side gigs teaching art.
During his time in Chicago, Matthew met his future wife, Catalina, a foreign student from Bogota, Colombia, who was also studying at SAIC. After graduation, Matthew stayed in Chicago for an extra year waiting for his now-fiancé to graduate. During a summer residency at Ox-Bow School of Art, Matthew started planning the next phase of his journey into the art world.
Following their graduation, Matthew and Catalina made the decision to relocate to Miami, a city that held special significance for Matthew as it was where his family had immigrated from Colombia in the early 1980s. The proximity to his Colombian roots, coupled with frequent trips to visit his wife's family, provided Matthew with a renewed sense of purpose and helped him realize the direction he wanted his career to take. By tapping into his Colombian heritage, which he had always felt a deep connection to but never had the opportunity to explore, Matthew was able to build a strong personal and professional identity. Through his work and familial connections, he is able to create meaningful memories and gain a deeper understanding of his cultural background.
He began teaching visual arts at Miami Arts Charter School in downtown Miami while also teaching adult classes at Oolite Arts on Miami Beach and working as a studio assistant to one of the resident artists. Although he found fulfillment in education, Matthew realized that he needed to focus on building himself as a professional. Trying to balance a studio practice and the heavy workload of full-time teaching was taking away from his work, so he decided to focus solely on his art career.
Matthew's prior experience teaching adults printmaking and painting courses and working as a studio assistant allowed him to take on a greater role at Oolite Arts, a well known non-profit Artist Residency in Miami that gives opportunities to artists in Miami. In June 2022, he took over the Printmaking Residency position at Oolite Arts, where he continues to push the boundaries of his art and inspire others with his talent and vision.
Matthew Forehand's story is one of perseverance and determination. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout his life, he has never let them hold him back from pursuing his passion for visual arts. His unique perspective and approach to art, influenced by his diverse cultural experiences, have made him a rising star in the contemporary art world.