From an early age, Matthew Smith was fascinated by fish and fishing, and as a youngster he set his sights on a career in the fishing business. After high School Matthew spent two years at the University of Rhode Island and graduated with an associate’s degree in fisheries management. Upon finishing his degree, Matthew packed a bag and went to sea where he would make his mark as a successful commercial fisherman. At the age of 22, after two years as a crew member on the Sundance, Matthew was made captain of the Charlotte G, an 80-foot trawler out of Newport, RI that was built for him and his command. During his time on the Charlotte G, there was no shortage of fishermen wanting to serve under Matthew, and out on George's Banks, his was a boat that others would follow in the search for the best fishing spots.

After ten years at the helm of the Charlotte G, Matthew reached a crucial turning point in life following an around the world trip to study fishing techniques. He realized the very real global problem of over fishing and that he was a key contributor. From that point forward Matthew's quest has been to establish a connection to life in the seas and nature through his prints and sculptures.

 Today, Matthew lives on the edge of Quincy Pond in Nottingham, New Hampshire. His home and studio share a four-story log cabin he built himself, by hand. Matthew's cabin and the garden he is fashioning out of the rocky New Hampshire soil, are important metaphors for the parts of Matthew's personal and perhaps spiritual life that should matter to collectors of his work.

For Matthew, the hard way is the best way. Something difficult -  Matthew will try; something impossible - he will find a way to do. Whatever Matthew takes on, he tackles with a powerful efficiency. Whether fixing a trawler out to sea in a storm, building a log cabin, cutting beautiful sculptures from raw granite stones, or printing pictures of fish and whales - all of these things are done the hard way - these are pursuits that guarantee the constructive use of Matthew's tremendous competitive drive, his nearly boundless energy, and his fierce determination.

For twenty years now, Matthew has been striving every day to produce a strong, good looking, easy to appreciate print. All of his prints are made with the finest of inks, oils, and traditional papers and matted and framed to museum quality standards. These qualities give the potential collector or gift giver the secure confidence they enjoy when purchasing an original print by Matthew Smith.

To see more of his work come visit us at Framed in Tatnuck!