Matt is a narrative-driven Designer, Maker, Creative Technologist and Researcher, working across the boundaries of analogue and digital, traditional and contemporary.
An explorative problem solver with a good sense of humour and play, Matt utilises hands-on practical skills (such as fine woodwork) and combines these with emerging digital technologies (such as 3D Printing, 3D Scanning and CNC Machining) to create engaging outcomes.
Matt’s current area of work involves the agency and authenticity of craft in the digital age, how modern technology can work to protect, augment or evolve traditional heritage practices. His practice includes working to preserve and evolve the craft of Letterpress, by creating accessible tools to aid the goal of re-democratising heritage skills.
Matt is a graduate from the University of Plymouth, having first studied a BA(Hons) in 3D Design (Designer Maker specialism), followed by an MA in Design.
He is now undertaking a PhD in Digital Arts and Technology, with a focus on the cultural impact of digital fabrication on established heritage crafts practices.
In the Media
Articles:
March 2022: Pressing Matter Magazine, Issue 18, pg7. Interview.
March 2022: Arts University Plymouth: Our Journal: “Matt Holmes: Finding Beauty in Imperfection” – [Read Here]
October 2020: People of Print: “50 Letterpress Printers, Studios, and Artists you should all know about” – [Read Here]
February/March 2018: Make Magazine, Volume 61: pg13: “A Marvelous Mix” – [Read Here]
Videos:
March 2022: University of Plymouth: Interview: “Combining modern technology & heritage crafts to make a digitally fabricated 3D printed letterpress” – [Watch Here]
May 2019: University of Plymouth: Interview: “Creating a Japanese style workbench” – [Watch Here]
April 2019: University of Plymouth: Interview: “Using modern materials to preserve Letterpress” – [Watch Here]
Talks/Conferences:
November 2023: Print Futures Live! – Hamilton Wayzgoose 2023, Two Rivers, Wisconsin, USA
February 2022: PiP x LEAD Print Futures Winter Edition: https://partnersinprint.org/programs/print-futures/
November 2021: University of Plymouth: Visiting Lecture Series
Residencies & Exhibitions:
October 2022: Print in Action Festival, Ocean Studios, Plymouth.
May 2022 – June 2022: Open Studio Installation, Ocean Studios, Plymouth.
December 2021 – March 2022: Real Ideas Printmakers Residency, Ocean Studios, Plymouth.
November 2021: MA Design Degree Show, Millennium Building, Plymouth.
Oh, and I’m on the side of a bus:
