ABOUT MY ART

I’m seeking to live whole, slow and attentive. A life that is constantly on the go and connected is not a sustainable one—nor the way I want to live. My work is about breathing spaces--the value of rest, play, and doing “nothing.” The most meaningful moments of my life are inefficient--painting, hiking, or knitting a half mile rope to Bellingham Bay. When I paint, I feel blessed to enter this frame of mind of wu wei or nonstriving. Then, everything appears like the miracle that it is.

BIO

Christen Mattix was born in Seattle in 1977 and grew up in Thailand. This bicultural experience shaped her into a catalyst for community. At the age of 17, she moved to Bellingham, WA and later studied painting and art history at Western Washington University where she received a BFA. In 2005, Mattix received an MFA in painting and film from the San Francisco Art Institute. Christen Mattix now lives and works in Mount Vernon, WA.

Christen has worked in oil, acrylic, fiber art, book arts, and writing. Her work is in private and public collections. Mattix’s joyful murals adorn a busy street (City of Burlington, WA) and an elementary school (Mount Vernon, WA). She has exhibited throughout the region including at The Whatcom Museum, Smith and Vallee, the Museum of Northwest Art, PeaceHealth, and SAM Gallery. Mattix also authored Skein, a memoir about transforming a Bellingham neighborhood through a three-year fiber installation. Mattix has taught fine art at Western Washington University, the Frye Art Museum, Seattle Pacific University, and Pratt Fine Art Center.  

Mattix has received recognition and honors for her creative work. She was nominated to the Public Artist Roster by the WA Arts Commission.  She curated a group show at Shoreline City Hall. She also received an artist residency and honorarium from the James Washington Residency. Mattix was honored by a Doing Good Well leadership award for female artists. Mattix was named outstanding graduate, and received an art scholarship from Western Washington University.