Local Featured Artist
Matthew Russell
Matthew Russell has lived in several states during his lifetime, including California, Idaho and Wyoming. He pursued a degree in Wildlife Management and Conservation from the University of Wyoming and received a Bachelor of Science Degree. Early in his life he pursued Wildlife Photography, which became the building block of his photography.
Overtime, the interest in waterfowl photography subsided, Matt began shifting his photography work from 35mm to medium format work. There became a demand for larger print size that 35mm could not perform. He spent his free time, exploring the Northern Seascapes of California. As technology changed so did Matt’s work, now shifting predominantly to black and white photographs.
As Digital Photography began to take overtake Analog Photography, Matt again shifted his photography to the digital format. He spent years to current, photographing the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Digitally.
Along the way however, his taste for Digital Photography waned. He decided to return to Analog Photography as his primary tool.
Matt’s photography has evolved over the years, from wildlife photography to seascapes and to western landscapes. His photography continues to evolve, as there is a demand now for the history of the west, which includes historic buildings and abandoned homesteads. His TA Moulton Barn picture is now being showcased in France, by Circle for the Arts.
Matt’s current endeavor is studying the process of platinum and palladium printing. He would like to produce a large selection of platinum/palladium prints for his respective collectors to consider in the near future.
Matt has resided in Victor, Idaho for the past 13 years.
Want to view more of Matthew Russells work, visit:
matthewrussellphoto.com , or email him at matthewrussellphotography@gmail.com
Artist Statement:
In my own words, I feel my photographic work represents resilience, honesty, integrity, independence and solitude. All five traits reflect who I am as an artist. Resilience is needed to overcome rejection and defeat; honesty and integrity are interwoven, these two traits are required to sell and promote your work; independence, to be able to create individualistic art; and solitude to be able to create and produce your artistic style or artist signature. Easier said than done, but that goes right back to resilience and my desire to become a black and white photographic artist.
Very few artists become overnight sensations. I am no different. Rather, it takes time, hard work and dedication to become a successful artist.
Rejection and negative criticism are hard for anyone to accept, but in the Art World, I accept the negativity and rejection for what it is. I have learned to embrace the negativity, because I have struck a reaction with someone. I have also learned from other photographers, that negative criticism from an art critic, has actually blossomed their photographic careers. William Eggleston is a perfect example, after receiving a negative review for his show, he simply said his photography is not for everyone and his career skyrocketed.
Black and white photography to me is an abstract form of art, as we see in color and of course we all see things differently. With my photographs, I emphasize tone, texture, quiet presence and sustained engagement with place, leading the viewer to become engaged with the story I am telling. When given the choice, I prefer to work with traditional black and white film and develop my own film, which correlates to my independence in the art world.
The work I have showcased, were all taken locally, including some from my own backyard. I hope these photographs that I have presented, resonate with you and for some, our footprints may have crossed at one point in time. Solitude in the wilderness and solitude in the darkroom.
One final thought, these photographers have all influenced my work overtime: Stephen Shore, William Eggleston, Walker Evans, Robert Adams, Ansel Adams, Lee Miller, Irving Penn and Alfred Stieglitz
Exhibitions/Publications:
Art Fair Jackson Hole, July 2023
Idaho Falls Arts Council, 16th Annual National Juried Exhibition, 2024 Center for Photographic Art, 2025 Members’ Juried Exhibition
Driggs Art Craft Fair, 2025 Wydaho, self-published book, 2025 Spotlight Magazine, January 2026 City of Victor, 2026
Private Collections held in:
California Idaho Michigan Oregon Pennsylvania Virginia Texas Wyoming