My artistic journey!
Hello! My name is Matthew Sestak and I’m so happy you’re visiting my art page! From a young age, I loved to create. Whether it was crayons, toys, or my imagination, the idea of art was always prevalent.
My junior year in high school was the first time where I started putting that artistic itch into practical steps. Here, I was allowed, thanks to my art teacher, to create the things I was passionate about at that time. Not only that, but he also challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and try new ways to express my ideas using different forms of media! Art was a passion of mine, but it was not something I saw myself doing full-time, or even part-time. After high school, my interest in art shifted to the background. With the busyness of college, I felt as though I didn’t have the time, money, or even the skill to pursue art.
After graduating college in May of 2018, I had the opportunity to visit Israel on a pilgrimage through the Community of the Beatitudes. Here, I was culturally shocked by the different kinds of people, foods, smells, and overall environment. Much can be said about my time in the Holy Land, but by far one of the most impactful was my experience with Eastern Orthodoxy. With this experience came the wonderful introduction to iconography.
This ancient form of religious art style spoke profound messages to me. So much so when I came back, I immediately got that artistic itch! It’s from iconography do I get my style of artistic inspiration. I incorporate iconographic imagery with a bit of realism within my work. The focus of my art is always the big picture, but I spend the most time trying to focus on the little details: the transition of colors from various gradients, shadowing, hand placement/gestures, and even the eyes! One special element I add to my paintings is that I add a bit of Holy Water from the River Jordan so that each painting is uniquely blessed!
In short, my art is a skill/talent given to me by God. Just as He pays even the closest attention to the details, so do I with my art. It’s a part of me that I will always give Him thanks for. I greatly appreciate your support in any way, whether monetarily or through prayer.
Thank you so much and God Bless!