In conversation with Matthew Barratt-Jones
There’s something special about a portrait—it’s more than just a face on a canvas; it’s a story frozen in time. Few people know that better than Matt Barratt-Jones, whose work captures not just what someone looks like, but who they are.
We recently had the chance to sit down with Matt to chat about his creative process, what inspires his portraits.
At first glance, Matt’s portraits may strike you with bold tattoos etched across skin but look closer and you’ll find a striking calm, almost meditative presence - set against expressions of softness and serenity.
It’s this interplay of edge and ease that makes Matt’s work so compelling. In this interview, we dive into how he captures raw individuality while holding onto a sense of quiet emotion, creating portraits that feel both powerful and unexpectedly tender.
Matthew Barratt-Jones at Emerald Gallery
Hi Matt, can you tell us a bit about your background and journey as an artist?
My artist journey began when I studied for a fine art degree before realising that the education system was not for me, so I left my degree course and went into full time work.
It wasn’t until I was 28 and began working as a tattoo artist that I really reconnected with art, and through my job I learned the patience to start painting in oils. Since then, I’ve drawn on my work as a painter to drive my tattoo work, and vice-versa.
What initially drew you to painting portraits?
When I was young, I used drawing as a means of escape. I began drawing things as realistically as I could to create fantasy worlds to escape into, and this led me to drawing people and portraits.
I’ve always felt a deep connection to the people around me, and being able to explore that through portraiture was always a natural space for me to exist in.
Are there any artists or movements that have influenced your style?
My artistic influences are mainly contemporary. My early experiences with oil portraiture were heavily influenced and inspired by artists such as David Kassan and Casey Baugh, and artists such as Alpay Efe, and Westerberg continue to inspire me constantly.
What is the central theme or message behind this body of work?
‘Aspects’ explores portraits of people that I have a connection with through various themes. I have bonds to tattooing, music and mental health issues - and everyone I have painted for the collection is a representation of one of those elements.
I’m exploring myself through the representation of others, and trying to speak about human connection, and sometimes isolation.
DON
“My initial work in this painting was to represent Don as my tattoo client - and therefore to represent his tattoos as the dominant motif. But as the painting developed I realized that the piece was just as much about the sense of calm and thoughtfulness Don exudes when he’s in a room.
In this portrait, I invite the viewer into that space of quiet, to contemplate the depth of emotion portrayed through the transparent layers and cool tones of the painting.”
How did you select the people to paint for this exhibition?
Everyone in this collection is someone I know - mostly through my work as a tattoo artist. I spend hours in the tattoo chair being invited into people’s personal space as I tattoo them, and I gain a real connection with them through their trust.
Each subject was chosen for a specific connection based on one of the three themes of the show, except a couple of the pieces which just happened as an organic moment of connection through candid photos I took.
DEEPER
Is there a particular work in this show that holds special significance for you?
‘I think “Deeper” holds a special place for me.
It’s a confrontational piece compared to most of the work as it explores depression and isolation in a very raw and personal way, and this one was perhaps the one piece that took both myself and the subject to a very real and dark place that many people choose not to speak about - but which we all feel from time to time.’
Can you walk us through your process—from concept to finished piece?
The collection has evolved as its own entity really and has taught me new processes along the way that have helped me to style the work in the right way for the message.
I predominantly work from photographs, so my initial concept is to take a large number of photos of the subject and then sift through them to find the one that best reflects who they are to me. I then choose a layout based on the size of the work and make a digital “mock up” of the composition.
I then use a combination of acrylic under-painting, graphite drawing and oil painting to work through the piece to completion.
What materials or techniques do you enjoy experimenting with most?
Oil Paints are my go-to medium. They are a force of their own, and they’re the most likely to “tell me” how to work. It’s always a collaboration working with oils, it’s like they’re another artist that I’m working alongside - and sometimes they have a very different idea to me about what I should be doing.
I always feel like I’m learning when I work with oils - and I have an inbuilt need to learn constantly, so they’re a perfect fit for me.
PERMANENCE
“This piece is a self portrait centered around both the permanent change of tattoos to our appearance, and the layered and changing forms of human emotion. I tried to portray both a thoughtful but ambiguous emotional relationship with the viewer, and eye contact to provoke a sense of connection that invites the viewer to examine their own emotions through the piece.”
What role does spontaneity play in your work?
Once I’m in the process of the piece itself - spontaneity is extremely important. There have been pieces that I had a specific intention for to begin with, but as I’ve worked through the piece itself become clear that the painting wanted - or needed - to be about something else. So, I’m always ready to adapt and let the portrait lead me in what it wants to say.
How do your personal experiences or emotions shape your artwork?
Everything I paint is based in a place of emotion. Whether it’s simply the space I find in my head whilst holding a brush, or a deeper intention with the artwork. I used to paint a lot just for fun - but I’ve realised over the years that there are things I need to say with my work, about myself and about the people around me.
FLOW
“In this piece I worked with Justin Hawkins for the first of two portraits.
Although the piece is predominantly about his tattoos and the whole piece represents a more painterly approach to mimic the style of his tattoo work, I also try to reflect on his tattoos being a shield to deflect people from getting inside. This is a commentary again on the use of outward transformation to create distance or barriers between ourselves and others - this time as a form of self preservation.
Justin’s expression and pose invites the viewer to look beyond the outer layer of physical appearance and share a glimpse into the vulnerability behind the visible aspect.”
How do you hope audiences interpret or connect with your pieces?
I hope that people find a connection to the people I’ve painted. I hope they feel a sense of solitude in sharing the emotions that I’ve tried to render in each piece. Some of it is confronting yes - but I think we need to be confronted by ourselves, in order to both grow, and be at ease in our own skin.
Most of all I hope people are brave enough to question both the work, and themselves.
DAVE (Yes, our Dave!)
“This painting transformed during my approach to the work. It was Initially about our connection through tattoos and music.
Dave and I share many passions and as I began to get into the piece I realized once again that his sense of thoughtful, considerate calm was just as important to the work.
The space around Dave represents a lightness of mind, and presents an invitation to share a moment with eyes closed - thus expressing a willingness to be vulnerable in the presence of others.”
Aspects exhibition is open until 6th September - Tuesday to Saturday 9 to 5, So there’s still plenty of time to pop in and explore before it wraps up.
We’d love to welcome you, so don’t miss the chance to visit. Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post—we hope to see you at the exhibition soon!