In the ever-evolving world of art, there are few stories as intriguing as that of Matthias Loubry, a multidisciplinary artist whose creative journey spans from the rhythmic intricacies of jazz to the vibrancy of palette knife painting. Born in Germany in 1964 and raised in the rugged landscape of Alberta, Canada, Loubry’s path through the arts has been unique and deeply contemplative. My recent conversation with Loubry offers a fascinating glimpse into his artistic development and the themes that shape his work.
From Jazz to Paintings
Lobre’s artistic journey began in the world of music. As a seasoned jazz vibraphonist who studied under Gary Burton in Boston, Lobre’s early career was filled with the improvisational and rhythmic details of jazz. However, after three decades in music, he sought a new form of creative expression. In 2012, Lobre transitioned to painting, a move that quickly redefined his artistic voice.
“I was a musician for 30 years, and when I stopped, I felt a deep need for an artistic outlet,” Lubri explained. “I took an adult-only drawing class to explore that and quickly discovered that using a palette knife resonated with me in a way that didn’t appeal to me.”
Uncover the palette knife
Lobry’s discovery of the palette knife technique was a radical transformation. The emotional strokes of the palette knife allowed him to channel his inner energy and create paintings that vibrated with raw emotional power. The technique became the cornerstone of his painting style, paving the way for his exploration of different artistic forms and subjects.
“My art comes from the energy of my soul,” said Lobre. “I don’t paint from pictures, but from the energy that comes from within me. It’s all about the interaction between the conscious and subconscious.”
The technical process of wool
Lepre’s process is layered and diverse, drawing on his rich background in music, philosophy, and psychology. His work evolves organically, often guided by a combination of dreams, symbols, and mythology. As such, he often begins by exploring a subject, using palette knives to apply oil paint in broad, expressive strokes. This method allows him to build texture and depth, reflecting the complexity of his ideas. Lepre describes his process as a journey, where he “uncovers hidden meanings” through each layer of paint, aiming to reveal the tension between the conscious and the unconscious. While some artists may draw inspiration from a single genre or style for periods of time, Lepre often shifts from working on an abstract piece to creating a portrait or landscape every day. This flexibility allows him to explore a wide range of subjects and styles in his art.
Exploring artistic themes in his works
Lubri’s work spans many genres, each reflecting different aspects of his artistic exploration. His paintings can be broadly categorized into three themes: portrait-inspired pieces, landscape works, and abstract compositions. Styylish proudly presents many of Matthias Lubri’s works today!
Selfie
Cut like Johnny, Priestess and Master are a couple of drinks. Draw inspiration from personal inspirations and important people. For example, Johnny, the priestess “This album is a tribute to Joni Mitchell, whose music has greatly influenced Lubre,” Lubre notes. “Joni Mitchell has been a guiding light for me. Her music has been a part of my life since my youth in Canada.”
Matthias Lobry Johnny the priestess Reflecting his deep personal connection to Joni Mitchell, who, like Lobre, hails from Alberta, Canada, their shared roots in the region have fostered a deep admiration and inspiration for Lobre. He describes Mitchell as a guiding light in his life, her music profoundly influencing his artistic vision.
The Mouse Lord by Matthias Lobry “It’s a playful piece that showcases his signature use of thick palette knife strokes. Lubry describes the painting as a vibrant and dynamic exploration of character, inspired by his childhood scribbles. The piece features expressive eyes and bold texture, depicting a curious character caught in a metaphorical dilemma. “It’s just a playful character, with squinting eyes and a sense of confusion, reflecting a playful, almost pop-art-like sensibility,” Lubry explains.
Landscape
Paintings like river edge and razor edge Lobre’s work is deeply rooted in his childhood experiences in the Canadian Rockies. It reflects his connection to the natural world and the landscapes that shaped his youth. “These landscapes are part of my soul,” Lobre has said. “They are places in my soul from the memories, dreams, and reflections of my youth and growing up in Canada on the slopes of the Rockies.”
In his words, river edge This scene reflects “the rising waters of spring, overflowing to the tree line.” This flooding not only signals the dramatic change in the landscape, but also the blooming of wildflowers, bringing vibrant life to the scene. However, the cyclical nature of the seasons is captured as the water eventually freezes again, signaling the inevitable return of winter.
The texture of the painting plays a crucial role in conveying this transformation. Lobry describes the use of palette knife slashes in the painting. Initially applied unconsciously, he now recognizes them as symbolic. He notes that these strokes are reminiscent of the “skate marks” of his childhood, adding a layer of nostalgia to the work. “When we were kids, we played hockey and skated.”
Summaries
Cut like Ukiyo Square ’52 and Yudi ’24 Lubre’s works explore geometric shapes and cosmic themes. Lubre describes them as a combination of his childhood experiences playing with shapes and his current exploration of cosmic balance. “These abstract works are about finding balance and harmony through geometric shapes,” he explains.
Matias Lobry describes “Okeo Square 42” as an abstract piece inspired by his childhood memories of playing with protractors, straightedges and geometric shapes. The painting represents a cosmic balance, combining elements such as the moon or sun with precise geometric shapes. The piece reflects the unconscious harmony of the universe, where everything is in balance, and captures a deep connection between the tangible and the cosmic through abstract shapes and balanced composition.
intersection of art forms
Lobre’s approach to art is remarkably interdisciplinary. His work in painting is complemented by previous experiences in music and photography. “Before painting, I was interested in photography, trying to capture the essence of my soul through images,” Lobre says. “All of these art forms—music, photography, painting—come from the same place and influence each other.”
This integration of art forms extends to his current practice, where he often finds connections between different artistic mediums. “I think of art as a whole,” says Lobre. “Just as in music, where I can go from rock to jazz, in painting, I flow between landscapes, portraits, and abstract works.”
Myth, Dreams, and Philosophy
At the core of Lobre’s work is an exploration of mythology, dreams and philosophy. He describes his artistic process as a dialogue with his subconscious, influenced by philosophical and psychological readings. “My art is about understanding the layers of self and our place in the universe,” Lobre explains. “The ideas of Carl Jung, which I discovered later in life, resonate deeply with my approach to art and self-discovery.”
His abstract works, in particular, reflect universal themes and the balance of energies. He describes the concept of myth as “a powerful tool for connecting the conscious and unconscious worlds,” emphasizing how these ancient stories connect us to “universal truths and shared human experiences.” He states that by incorporating mythological elements into his work, he hopes to “evoke a sense of wonder and contemplation,” and encourage viewers to delve into “the timeless narratives that shape our understanding of the world.”
Journey of self-discovery
Lobre’s artistic journey is marked by constant self-discovery and personal growth. “The most important realization for me was that allowing my work to unfold naturally helped me grow as a person,” he says. Furthermore, he says, “painting made me a better human being and a freer artist.”
Spanning a variety of styles and themes, his work continues to resonate with viewers and collectors, reflecting the depth of his exploration and the energy he conveys through his art. He does not create work with the consumer in mind. However, the joy of creating a piece that resonates so powerfully is a tremendous pleasure for Loubri.
Lubri’s ever-evolving artistic expression
Matthias Lobre’s art is a rich tapestry of his diverse experiences and profound explorations. From the rhythmic beats of jazz, his behind-the-camera experience with photography to the ornate knife strokes of painting, Lobre’s work embodies a journey of self-discovery, mythological contemplation and philosophical inquiry. His paintings are thus not just visual representations but an ongoing dialogue with the subconscious, capturing the essence of human experience and artistic expression.
As Loubry continues to incorporate different art forms and explore new dimensions of creativity in his paintings, his work remains a testament to the power of art as a means of personal and universal exploration, and he is sure to continue to innovate on canvas.
