Artist’s Statement …
I paint western art because as the world becomes more centralized, it is easy to lose sight of how life looks in rural America. Growing up in what was once rural Hooper, Utah, it was hard to watch farmers and ranchers sell off property because their children were not interested in continuing this way of life. My work is dedicated to the joys and connections that modern rural life has before it is lost to an ever growing & busy world.
My process starts on local farms and ranches, making connections with these small, family run operations.. I seek out family ranches that are in the Northern Utah region, and spend days throughout the year with them while they work. I ask questions, take notes and photographs which I can reference later. The images and notes I take help me develop a concept for each piece. I'm looking for images that I believe will spark curiosity for the grittiness of rural life. I find that I am attracted to reference photos that capture the tender emotion between ranchers & livestock. I believe that real life is often more interesting than a polished front, and I work to keep the paintings true to life in rural America.
I work through my references in multiple stages, starting with value, composition, and color studies. This extensive preliminary work allows me to sink into the complexity of oil painting, and draw out the feeling and energy I want in the final piece.The final part of my process is sharing my work with the families that allow me to use their livelihoods in my work, and to see their story shared with people across the world. My hope is that through sharing my work, the stories of these hardworking families won’t be forgotten.
Bio…
Madelynn Mutter grew up in a once rural Hooper, Utah. Throughout her childhood she witnessed the urbanization of her rural home, watching local dairies and farms being cleared for shopping centers and suburbs. Mutter took note of how old farmers, including her father, talked about the loss of a way of life due to the lack of interest in continuing farming. Early on, Mutter found inspiration for drawing and sketching in old barns full of equipment and tools, wondering where they had been and what they meant to their owner.
Mutter continued her artistic pursuits, studying Illustration in high school & college. In college she discovered that the computer work of modern illustration did not satisfy her creative needs. Looking for a different outlet, she became fascinated with the complexities and hands-on nature of traditional oil painting.
Taking workshops from the likes of Jill Soukup & other notable artists, Mutter has learned from a large community of traditional oil painters. In 2020, an art fair jump started her professional career. Since then Mutter has participated in art shows and festivals throughout Utah, and has gained a significant following online, selling work and connecting with collectors through her online presence. She is currently represented by Western Skies Fine Art (Afton, WY) and Gallery25 (Ogden, UT). She is also a member of Cowgirl Artists of America, and serves as a board member at Gallery25.
Mutter also believes in supporting her local community, and has donated to Miss Rodeo Utah, and other performance horse organizations. She also volunteers periodically as a visiting artist to local elementary schools, sharing her passion and knowledge for the arts.
Mutter currently resides in Brigham City, Utah with her growing family
