Featured Articles

The Evolution of Mark Making: An Interview with Kipton Hinsdale

This February, artist Kipton Hinsdale shares the story of his dual upbringing in the The Evolution of Mark Making, a solo exhibition presented at Distortion Society (Beacon, NY). In this collection of abstract work, we journey through the defining moments of Hinsdale’s artistic development from the streets of Brooklyn to the thick woods of Chatham, NY. Interweaving the raw energy…

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Designing The World We Want To Live In

In a chaotic world, we believe design has the power to redefine the narrative, connect people, and drive real, unapologetic change. For us at ThoughtMatter, design is a tool that ignites movements, challenges power structures and inspires critical conversations to create a future full of possibilities.  ThoughtMatter, at its core, is a design studio where art, strategy, and creativity come…

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Transitions: Moving Your Studio

Spaces often shape the essence of what we create. A studio reflects our craft and our emotional connection to the work. When moving out of a studio that defined your work, the decision can feel monumental, even overwhelming. Yet, transitions inspire growth. By approaching the shift intentionally, you empower yourself to embrace new possibilities. Engage actively with this discussion—consider how…

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The Philosophy of a Creative Arts Educator: Wisdom Is The Legacy Left by Harry Broudy 1905-98

Harry Broudy advocated arts education for all students rather than just for those gifted or highly interested in art, placing the arts at the center of education. Harry Broudy, according to Liora Bresler, one of the editors of Fifty Modern Thinkers on Education: From Piaget to the Present Day [Routledge, 2001], shows through developed argument how the discipline of arts…

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Canadian Artist Michael Sydoryk: Where Wild Energy Meets Canvas

In Alberta, Canada, Michael Sydoryk has emerged as a compelling voice in contemporary wildlife art, transforming what began as a university student’s creative escape into a passionate artistic journey that speaks to the raw energy of the natural world.  At just 19, Sydoryk discovered his calling through an unexpected eight-hour painting session that completely absorbed him. “I completely lost myself…

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Artist Steve Hastings: Finding Beauty in Desert’s Light

At 70, El Paso artist Steve Hastings discovered what many spend lifetimes seeking – the courage to create purely beautiful things. His luminous paintings of desert flora, particularly cacti, transcend mere botanical representation to become what he calls “Magical Realism,” portals into a world where nature’s eternal spirit shines through.  “Today, creating art is the only thing left for me…

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Unlocking the Art of Happiness: Dopamine Decor and Joyous Living

In an era where trends are designed to bring joy to everyday life, a new concept has been capturing attention in the design world: dopamine decor. This innovative approach emphasizes decorating spaces in a way that stimulates the dopamine neurotransmitter, the brain’s natural driver for pleasure and motivation. However, what if this trend could transcend momentary excitement and foster a…

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