Matthew Barter Is Leading the Way for a New Generation of Contemporary Folk Artists in Maine

Matthew Barter was born in 1975. He was raised in the village of Sullivan, just outside Ellsworth, and grew up in the highly creative Barter family. With his father, Philip, as his instructor, Matt began painting very early. He sold his first painting, a still life based on Matisse, before age 10. Matt helped his father with the wooden wall reliefs that people associate most closely with Philip as soon as he was able. By the time he was in his teens, Matt had started creating his own wall reliefs. In addition to his paintings and wall reliefs, Matt Barter carves marvelous, folky figures of fishermen. Whether laden down with buoys (painted in the blue and brown shades of the Barter brothers' lobster buoys), lobster crates, or fish, Matt's fishermen are both expressive and fun.
Matthew Barter is represented by the Portland Art Gallery of Maine. View his latest work:
portlandartgallery.com/artist...
Browse more Maine art online:
portlandartgallery.com/
Directed by Lamia Lazrak with Cinematography by Sean Thomas

[@mariannewolf57]

There's something very true in the sculptures.

[@azinkspot]

Love your story ! 💖

[@josephtermeer5196]

Wow, I love your sculptures! Really, they tell stories! They are simple and unique.

[@4legdfishman]

WOW! I've been introduced to two Barters in one day! I just watched a video of his dad, Philip! I've been here in Maine for nearly 40 years, we put our son through an iconic art college in Portland, and never have I heard of either one of these artists! I'm slightly embarrassed about that. Thanks again for sharing this! I love his style, and the sculptures are beautiful and creative.

[@T12E5]

His energy is infectious!