Tuesday Flickr Set: Matte Stephens.
We had been aware of Matte Stephens' work but until recently had never extended a hand to make his acquaintance. That changed this weekend, albeit by e-mail, when we asked Matte if he'd mind if we linked to his Flickr Set. The 34-year-old Portland illustrator has established a style that undeniably channels the work of mid-century masters Alexander Girard, Charlie Harper and Alain Grée. And yet Stephens' approach is his own in constructing a contemporary palette (and cast of characters) that seem so comfortably rooted in the Pacific Northwest. Apparently tastemaker Jonathan Adler, and design-forward brands such as Herman Miller, American Express, and Velocity feel as we do. Stephens creates seriously arresting work that can't help but tease up a smile.