“Growing up, I was shaped by visits to historic reenactment villages, genealogical libraries, history and science museums. I literally went trick or treating at the Wright Brothers bicycle shop.” Matt grew up in a house riddled with old family photographs. His parents brought their three children across America in a scruffy pickup camper during month long Summer vacations. During these trips, Matt’s mother would involve him in the research of the family genealogy- visiting archives, cemeteries, century old homes, and every place in between.

Matt holds a bachelors degree in education from Northern Illinois University. He was born in and lived around the Chicago area until 2006 when a desire for change caused Matt to move to Seattle, Washington. Matt’s recent lifestyle changes, including not driving a car anymore, has reduced his personal contribution to CO2 levels by over 10,000 lbs per year. In addition to his creative work as an artist and poet, Matt has worked as an art & design teacher in public schools and is currently a freelance web developer.