Matthew T. Burton

Two Oyster Plates from "Celebrating the Oyster Plate, II" 

Views of Matt Burton and Debrah Jospe, "Common Ground" exhibition.

"Companion", Oxidation, Stoneware, Slips and Stains, $1,500.00

"Shale", Woodfired, Stoneware, Slips and Stains, $900.00

"Cataraction", Oxidation, Stoneware, Slips and Stains, $1,800.00

"Precious Breech", Oxidation, Stoneware, Slips and Stains, $4,500.00

"Incisive", Oxidation, Stoneware, Slips and Stains, $1,500.00

"Crest", Oxidation, Stoneware, Slips and Stains, SOLD

"Overlie", Oxidation, Stoneware, Slips and Stains, $1,800.00

Teapot $225.00

Teapot $300.00

Teapot $225.00

"Sand Dollar" (front)   $1,600.00

"Sand Dollar" (back)   $1,600.00

"Bristle Jewel Box"    $2,000.00

"Furrowed Welch"
$1,600.00

Matthew T. Burton

Manahawkin, New Jersey

M.F.A., Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas
M.A., Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas
B.A., Roanoke College, Salem, Virginia

Adjunct Instructor of Art, Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey
Adjunct Instructor of Art, Ocean County College, Toms River, New Jersey
Instructor, 19th Street Clay Studio, Surf City, New Jersey

Owner of the M. T. Burton Gallery, Surf City, New Jersey

Artist Statement:

The beach, for me, is the place to discover remnants. When I walk along a shoreline, I hope to be stopped by a mysterious object, which was once alive. I will want to pick it up, examine it and contemplate. What is its history? What lived inside? What caused this cavity? How long has it been tossed about in the surf to create its sensuous, eroded outer surface? These encounters with the ruins of sea life are a source for the organic form, color, surface, and mysteriousness, which comprise the content of my sculptures.

The shell and the effect the ocean has on it serve as metaphors in my work. The shell represents the home. The home, in turn, stands for not only an architectural structure, but also the source of domestic love and comfort. The home can be a safe house not only for possessions but also for emotions, or free thought. It can become a place to escape "the real world" and the harmful elements of nature. With a sense of place, the home as sanctuary, one does not feel vulnerability.

The surface of the shell characterizes a façade or skin. The exterior protects the inside figuratively and literally. The outside surface becomes the reverse feeling of the interior. A tough exterior as opposed to a soft interior. This front serves as a defense against hostile forces that would otherwise disrupt the safe haven or well-being of the inside. When the outside is penetrated it becomes revealed or exposed, and can be seen by all. This exposure of the vulnerable interior part of the work can be a poignant discovery.

The erosion represents the passage of time and the conflicts that one might encounter through life. Some shells manage to go through the ocean with barely a scratch. Others are torn apart but still endure, and their essence survives. This essence can be most beautiful and affirming."

Matthew T. Burton

Biography

Matt was born in Summit, and raised in Chatham, New Jersey. He graduated from Chatham High School in 1987 and it was at this time that he began his serious pursuit of the arts. Matt constantly visited galleries in SoHo section of New York City and was at one time a studio assistant for world-renowned painter Lowell Nesbitt.

In 1991, Matt graduated from Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, with a Fine Art major, with a concentration in ceramics, painting, and art history. He remained in the Roanoke area working as ceramic studio tech for Roanoke College. For four years he worked as a production potter exhibiting in fairs and festivals throughout the east coast.

In 1995, Matt enrolled in the graduate program at Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas to begin his concentration on ceramic sculpture. In 1997 he earned his Master of Arts degree, graduating with a ceramics major and painting minor and in 1999 he graduated with his Master of Fine Arts Degree in ceramics.

In 1996 Matt taught ceramics and drawing during the summer months at the Long Beach Island Foundation for the Arts and Sciences in Loveladies, New Jersey. Matt returned to New Jersey in 1999 where he taught year-round at the Foundation. In 1999 he also began teaching drawing and design at Ocean County College in Toms River, New Jersey. From 2003 - 2007 Matt taught drawing, design and ceramics at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey.

In 2000 Matt opened the m.t.burton gallery & 19th Street Clay Studio in Surf City, New Jersey. The gallery features fine art, pottery and antiques, plus a sculpture garden. The gallery is the host site for the annual juried competition, the Jersey Shore Clay National. The 19th Street Clay Studio hosts visiting artist workshops, classes and residencies.

Currently, Matt lives with his wife, Krista, and daughters, Grace and Claire, in Manahawkin along the coast of Jersey. Matt continues to be an adjunct professor at Ocean County College and teaches pottery classes at his 19^th Street Clay Studio. He occasionally teaches ceramic workshops as a visiting instructor. He is still director/owner of the m.t.burton gallery & 19th Street Clay Studio, curates and organizes group exhibitions and exhibits his own art locally and nationally.

"Tower", $450.00

"Sea Urchin", $380.00

"Cutting Wood With A Chainsaw", $2,000.00

"Stoking the Wood Kiln", $2,000.00

"Seashell", $500.00                                                                                               "Chili Pepper", $375.00

MATTHEW T. BURTON  

182 Outboard Ave.

Manahawkin, NJ 08050

Gallery/Studio: 609-494-0006

Fax:  609-494-0105

Cell:  609-713-9897

E-mail: matt@mtburtongallery.com