As a general rule Mathieu
doesn't do interviews, doesn't like them, says he has been
misquoted a few too many times. I called him a little beforehand
to tell him my train had just arrived, he says he is on his way.
I have known of the workings of Mathieu and his group for some
time now. Interesting bunch. I came across a copy of 45 Houses on
a vacation up in Canada. The time passes quickly, he arrives
wearing a wool green suit jacket and slacks holding about a dozen
books. He appears quite tired, he has a shaken countenance to
him. I ask him to sit and we order a dish of pasta. I bring out
the tape recorder and ask him if we can start, he grins then nods
his head.
Q. Shall I call you $t. Mathieu
or Mathieu, oh well let us start. What does 45 Houses mean?
S.M. Rain driven by a child's
dream
Q. Oh okay, what's your favorite
thing about doing 45 Houses?
S.M. Well it's the illusion of
paradise deteriorated, in the breast of angelic nature.
Q. I've been friends with Tommy
Katkins and Vicki Wain for a number of years. What is it like
working with them?
S.M. It consumed the young girl
holding out her hand. i might as well have been an angel.
Q. With your art and poetry, do
you find inspiration in past art, or in more modern art? What are
your influences?
S.M. Fossilized snowflakes,
stormy seashells, December skies, telescopic children and
electrical silence.
Q. Your art and poetry tend to
be more automatic, Mathieu how would you describe automatic
creation?
S.M. It's catatonic temptation emerging with an arched smile.
Q. Also concerning your art, it
seems to always contain a sense of wonderment, what do you think
of when you paint of write?
S.M. I was thinking of heaven in
the gardens of memory drenched in formations of marble
tombstones.
Q. What direction do you see 45
Houses heading?
S.M. I see two forms
disappearing into the oceanic sky, holding hands gleaming white.
Q. How would you describe your
myriopods?
S.M. It is the eternal pale
horse that holds the periphial phantom accompanied by the stars
made of stone.
Q. Where were you the last four
months? Why the delay?
S.M. I was illuminated by the
sleepwalker in search of dreams made of glass.
Q. If you could say one thing to
the readers out there, what would you say?
S.M. All the ladies are
stretched out in the ploughed earth, tranquil and senile.
Q. Do you have someone special
in your life?
S.M. Yes, I'm mesmerized by the
innocence of sleeping trees.
Q. Well thank you for your time
Mathieu and your thoughtful insight, last of all a final note to
our readers, what advise would you give up and coming artists?
S.M. Always my
thoughts are with the most perfect liquid measure.
(excerpt from interview on July 17, 1997)
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