About Matthew

Matthew Goetzka creates stunning works of art with thousands of colorful dots. He has shared his paintings throughout his hometown of Grand Rapids and far beyond. His unique technique of watercolor stippling draws in anybody with an appreciation for patience & detail. 

Aside from painting, he is passionate about & dedicated to sharing food with his community through teaching others about foraging, connecting people with resources, giving groceries to neighbors, & cooking meals for friends. You’ll often find him in the kitchen inventing new recipes & throwing veggie scraps to his rabbit, Nimbus. 

Artist Statement

Each dot is a release of tension and a step closer to the balance I’m seeking to experience. My paintings are my meditation. They instill tranquility to the viewer and are intended to feel hypnotic & healing. I got started in 2020 when I inherited my grandfathers paints after his passing and began to play with them, developing my own style that brings control to a typically “messy” medium. I am passionate about my work and am deeply grateful for the support it receives.

Work History & Accomplishments

2020

I created my first paintings in April. Since I lived on a farm at the time, where we worked long days everyday, the only time for recreation was during rain. On the back porch I would sit in the storms with my brush and paper, playing. One afternoon it struck me: use the free and natural water to paint instead of running the tap. Holding the paper out from under the awning, spatters landed on my page. With the smallest brush I had (size one) I started filling in these droplets with color. That up and down motion, tapping, dotting… it stuck.

2021

I went to the local farmers market and started selling originals.

I entered in Artprize, the largest international art competition.

I started taking commissions and shipping to other countries.

I made stickers and started selling them in local stores.

2022

First solo show (South Bend, Indiana)

First mural (Lansing, Michigan)

2023

Paintings for Patients was founded with hopes of bringing brightness and color to the sick, injured, hospitalized, & elderly.

2024

Two more solo shows (Grand Rapids, Mi)

Led my first workshop at the public museum (GR, Mi)

Started teaching watercolor in classrooms.

Summary

I’ve used art to support causes important to me in several fundraisers. My main goal in this whole journey is to reach as many people as possible, sharing my style of patience & peace.

It’s People over Profits til I die.