Striking West
"I’m trying to use a lot of the elements, creases, folds, staple holes; I love vintage packaging and the idea of playing with scale."
Dennis Bredow
This series of ten large-scale mixed media paintings is inspired by vintage Western matchbooks—small objects once found on motel nightstands, bar counters, and diner tables. Designed to be both useful and promotional, matchbooks were utilitarian by nature yet often beautifully crafted, evoking a sense of place and memory though limited by a few square inches. This body of work seeks to do the same—creating artifacts that draw the viewer in and offer a memory of a place and time. By dramatically increasing the scale, these paintings invite us to pause and truly see what we might otherwise dismiss. Once tucked in a pocket or purse, these matchbooks are now made monumental—giving weight and presence to the beauty that often goes unnoticed.
Each piece is built through a layered process of paint, vintage paper, and advertising fragments. Whether the surface is left exposed to highlight texture or sealed beneath poured epoxy resin, this buildup of material gives the surface a sense of depth and history—echoing the tactile quality of the original object while elevating it into something new.
The work is part of my ongoing exploration of retro-inspired modern art—rooted in nostalgia, but shaped through a contemporary lens. Ultimately, these pieces are about memory: how we collect it, preserve it, and sometimes invent it. Just like the matchbooks they reference, I hope they become small sparks that remind viewers of a place, a feeling, or a story they didn’t know they’d forgotten.
You can view all of the finished works here - or join us for the opening reception. Opening reception: July 2nd, 2025, 5-7pm - Courtney Collins Fine Art, Big Sky MT.
