I make images that suggest a story without a beginning or end. Learning to stop before the painting reveals too much is the most delicate aspect of my process. It is a real privilege to make a living doing this job. I have high standards - sometimes I hit them and sometimes I don't. I do not consider being overly precious beneficial for my work. I am consistent, work hard and do everything that I know to do to improve but, I allow things to happen naturally while painting. I avoid pretentiousness by working quickly and knowing that my methods and materials are smarter than me.-Matt Lively