Peter Matcau—a Real Cut-Up
42-year old Peter Matcau has lived in Hollywood since 1980. He’s what I call a “lifer.”
Peter’s family moved from Canada following his Grandfather who made the trek a few years prior. His Grandfather, by the way, opened the first Romanian Church in the Hip Hamlet in the late 70’s.
That original church (New Life) ultimately spawned into Grace Romanian where Peter both sings in the choir and plays in the orchestra (guitar/trumpet).
Peter’s foray into the arts and specifically his unique brand of mosaic/mixed media started during high-school when he spent the summers working with his Uncle laying tile and marble. Fascinated by the shards, leftover pieces and remnants, he’d bring them home and create mosaics.
“I didn’t get into art seriously until after I graduated and took some graphic and digital design courses—that sort of kick-started the process.”
But it was his drinking buddies that helped him realize his ultimate ambitions.
“My friends would come over to my apartment to hang out. They’d bring six packs or cartons of beer. And there was just something about the colors, the designs and the sturdiness of the cardboard that basically got me hording the material.”
During that period, one of those friends was involved in the opening of an art gallery in Fort Lauderdale. He asked Peter if he would create something for their grand opening. The exhibit was to be centered on Director Wes Anderson’s film: The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.
“I liked the flick, had no paint but plenty of those cartons…”
Peter created two pieces for the exhibit and his “career” was launched.
Since then Peter has essentially been involved in all my Art Extravaganzas and his works sell.
Because of the time and labor involved, however, he typically works on a commission basis. As I’ve mentioned here before, he was just commissioned to create the cover art for Richie Cole’s upcoming CD.
In regards to Hollywood, Peter told this writer; “I’ve watched the art scene really develop these past few years. Especially with the murals and galleries popping up—a scene is igniting…”
(Editor’s Note: Peter wanted a special shout-out to Lisa “PRL” Zomaro for both introducing the two us and for providing an abundance of beer cartons/boxes)
Pictured: Peter & his Richie Cole CD masterpiece...