Artist Spotlight: Toni Matison

By Kathie Scrimgeour

Toni Matison was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio and landed in Tucson in 1973 where she began her events marketing and public relations career. She opened her own PR firm in Tempe, AZ in 1983 with a few corporate clients but her main clientele were non-profits, including several community art festivals. She was one of 5 who together created the Fiesta Bowl Block Party on New Years Eve which drew 20,000 to downtown Tempe that first year. Her husband’s news anchor career took them to Florida where she spent 15 years continuing her events management career with several large festivals and art events. After losing her husband Harry to ALS, Toni returned to Tucson in 2005 to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren.

We had a chance to sit down and chat with Toni about her artistic career.

Q - Can you tell us about your journey as an artist? How did you first get started?

A - My career revolved around deadlines and to balance that stress I was always looking to learn something creative and fun. It started with a painting and paper making class in a tree house on Pine Island then went on to painting floor cloths and mosaics with found objects. It seemed every creative project I tried turned into an opportunity to use that skill as a fundraiser with one of my non-profit clients. Meanwhile; I rarely met a vintage textile that I didn’t have to have. Scouring Florida thrift stores I found 1950’s and 1960’s Bark Cloth, Chenille bedspreads, tablecloths, Molas, Bakelite buttons and vintage clothing. All these treasures were cleaned and securely stored for my retirement sewing goals.

Q - How do you decide on the themes or subjects of your pieces? Is there a particular message you aim to convey? What medium/s do you primarily work in today? 

A - Whimsey, function, fish and dogs with an occasional cat. I surround myself with whimsical art that makes me smile and that spills over into my work. I’m constantly searching for unusual fabrics, especially whimsical dogs. For pieces that have raw edges, like my fish pouches, I use faux leather, vinyl, waterproof canvas, Mexican Oil Cloth and bonded nylon. My favorite fabrics are 100% cotton, linen, wool, leather, cork and re-purposed textiles. I source zippers by the yard and I’m always on the lookout for fun and unusual zipper pulls – the jewelry of the bag.

On the serious side, I began my bag making with clutch bags created with re-purposed neckties as part of my Ties4ALS project. As a news anchor, Harry loved ties and his co-workers and journalists across the country sent me ties. I still have more than 300 in my collection, and I donate a percentage of my clutch sales to non-profit ALS organizations helping those now struggling with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Q - What are your future goals with your work?

A - While maintaining fun and functional pouches and totes, I’m currently expanding my bag design styles to include more sling and cross-body bags in various sizes and materials. I’m finally starting to use the vintage fabrics I spent years collecting and I would also like to get back to creating my whimsical fabric art dolls.

Q - How do you stay motivated and find inspiration, especially during creative blocks AND what is the greatest reward of your work?

A - I love researching trends, fabrics and new bag hardware styles along with learning new bag sewing techniques. I basically make things that people put stuff in – so it makes me happy when someone thinks my little creation is good enough for their stuff.

Q - How long have you been a SAAG member and how has your membership benefited you and do you have any final thoughts for our readers.

A - I have been a Guild member for three years and in the Gallery for two years. Honestly, it couldn’t have come at a better time. Three years ago, due to my partner Karl’s COPD and inability to sustain altitude, we sold our summer place in Taos, NM where I also showed in a gallery. Now full-time in Tucson and as our activities slow down, I’m so grateful for my association with the Gallery and for the opportunity to cultivate amazing friendships. Beyond the ability to create and show my work I’m able to contribute to the growth of the organization through my involvement with the Events and Marketing committees. So, while my sewing studio is my peaceful happy place, the Guild and Gallery activities are my respite to get out and participate. I encourage all members to get involved. Even small contributions result in huge rewards.