OUR PHILOSOPHY.
Welcome to our artist’s hideout, where each dot has its own personality—some rebellious, others shy, but all essential to the mad, dotted world of our creations! Our fundamental belief revolves around a seemingly simple yet profound principle: "If you can draw a dot, you can draw anything." We firmly hold that exploring diverse art mediums resembles navigating through a treasure trove of books—you never know which one might become your favorite adventure!
Our journey commences with projects designed to immerse you in a tapestry of colors, shapes, and textures, akin to diving into a treasure chest of stories waiting to be discovered. And remember, relish the playful journey of your artistic exploration! In our top-secret, highly classified portfolio class (not really, but it sounds cool, right?), we guide students in crafting a masterpiece of their own. Picture this: projects showcasing their talents, from painting with Gochujang (spicy but addictive Korean paste) to sculpting with Golf tees (So fitting for Texas).
We're all about versatility and thoughtful exploration of themes—whether it's the complexity of socks lost in the laundry or the deep meaning behind your pet's side-eye. We also offer a refuge for those seeking creative freedom—where you can breeze in, snag your preferred art supplies, and unleash your inner Rembrandt, all without the hassle of instructors lurking around to scrutinize every smudge or squiggle! So, grab your art supplies and embark on this exhilarating adventure of creativity, where each dot isn't just a dot—it's a character in the fantastic story of your artistic adventure!
Matthew J. Baek
Matthew J. Baek is an acclaimed artist and author whose passion for art was ignited at an early age. Constantly doodling and drawing, he found inspiration everywhere, even amid school classes, particularly math, showcasing his unique perspective as a left-handed artist.
As the son of South Korean immigrants, Baek embarked on his artistic journey by studying at Parsons School of Design and the Maryland Institute, College of Art, where he had the privilege of learning under the guidance of esteemed artists such as Timothy App and Whitney Sherman. Graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Maryland Institute, his creative prowess and unique approach quickly gained attention.
Baek's artistic endeavors flourished after graduation as he made a notable mark in various prestigious publications, including The Washington Post, The Baltimore Sun, Forbes Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal, among others. His contributions led to numerous accolades, including the HOW International Design Award, Print Magazine Annual Competition, and GDUSA Annual Design Competition. Additionally, he ventured into the world of children's literature, Baek's storytelling and illustrative skills shone brightly. His inaugural book, 'Be Gentle with the Dog, Dear!' through Penguin Publishing, captured hearts and received the coveted Border Books Original Voice award. This success was followed by 'Panda and Polar Bear,' a Junior Library Guild winner, a beloved tale transcending language barriers with translations into five different languages. Baek's literary universe expanded further with titles such as 'Poonya the Red Panda,' 'I Am a Cat,' 'Long Ear Bunny,' and 'Pinecone's First Snow,' the latter becoming a chart-topper in South Korea.
Despite his near miss with failing high school English, Baek became a sought-after figure at book signings, speaking engagements, and events at Barnes & Noble, the Brooklyn Zoo, and the Baltimore Book Fair, captivating audiences including English teachers and professors—quite the unexpected twist.
A seasoned art educator with nearly three decades of teaching experience, Baek boasts an impressive track record—all of his portfolio students gained acceptance into major art colleges such as RISD, Parsons, and the School of Visual Arts. Many of his former students have gone on to achieve remarkable success in diverse art-related professions, including positions as an Art Director for Forbes Magazine and a fashion designer for Elie Tahari.
Vincent Van Gogh's artistic legacy holds a special place in Baek's heart, especially for the emotional depth, vibrant colors, and expressive brushwork evident in masterpieces like "Starry Night" and "Sunflowers." To Baek, Van Gogh's paintings serve as poignant reflections of the artist's tumultuous life and unwavering quest for beauty amidst chaos.
Baek's teaching philosophy revolves around nurturing the individual artistic voices of his students. He encourages them to infuse their emotions, experiences, and unique perspectives into their artworks, resulting in pieces that echo their personal narratives, passions, and identities.
