Disordered States: Artist/Curator – Matthew Dibble

© Matthew Dibble 2019

© Matthew Dibble, 2019

Creating a piece of artwork is a very physical process for me. I build up layer upon layer of plaster and various other materials and object, then once it has set I rip it apart. The process of tearing these materials and objects from their plastery home is where the fun lies. It’s a battle, sometimes I need pull with all my strength just to produce one tiny corner and other times it’s a combination of very delicate tweaks, teasing a piece of wire out without destroying a whole area. But for me this is where I learn the most.

I find that the materials I use very rarely behave the same way twice, because I use differing combinations regularly. So I always have to be ready to react quickly if the plaster starts to set rapidly, or the waxy-oil is flowing too fast. This element of reaction and interaction is where my love for making comes from.

The hunt for texture, form, surface tension and interaction is exciting and frustrating all at the same time. The process of making nearly always triggers memories of experiences, times in my life, people or stories and these nearly always have a direct influence on the naming of my pieces. A dark sense of humour, a physical battle and overriding sense of embodiment of the materials constantly drives me to create.