information

Matthew Bodett was born in eastern Idaho in 1981. Though he moved around much during his childhood, most of his elementary school years were spent in the Seattle area. Having an interest in art since a young boy, Matt began taking art in middle school. In middle school Matt also played the trumpet. Having a love for music and art he wished to do both, however, with the structure of high school he could not choose both as elective courses. Due to a persuasive letter from his art teacher Matt chose to continue his study of art.

Having moved to Boise, Idaho, Matt began to explore different mediums. Oil painting became a favorite, and he began to look at the art world around for inspiration. Matt graduated from high school in 1999 and won the two-dimensional artist of the year award. He began college in January of 2000 at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. In July of 2000 Matt was called to serve as a missionary for the Curch of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in the Honolulu, Hawaii mission for six months before being released due to medical problems.

Returning home, Matt began to seek medical attention for a problem that would not be diagnosed for another four years. Returning to school he changed his degree to english because of a very fond love of poetry. Knowing that art was what he needed to pursue Matt again changed his degree to art, this time focusing on education. During his studies Matt was married in 2002 and had a son in 2003.

In the spring of 2004 Matt was working at the BYU-Idaho Special Collections and Archives. While working at a computer one day, the world began to slow down, and Matt began to speed up, things were spinning all around him. Recognizing that this was a problem he excused himself and went to see the counselor on campus. Shortly after this Matt was diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder and had to seek hospitalization in Boise. His wife remained in Rexburg to continue schooling and quickly asked for a divorce. In Boise, after receiving treatment, a final diagnosis of Schizo-Affective disorder was given. Matt was placed on various medications but had to return to the hospital a few more times.

Matt again decided to try college and enrolled at Boise State University. With the many problems facing his mind, he failed several course and had a difficult time dealing with social situations around him. Determined to see this through, with the help of many social-workers, friends and family, Matt graduated in the spring of 2009 with a Bachelors degree in Fine Arts. Matt was also remarried to a dedicated and caring wife, who now supports his endevors in art. Much of the artwork completed during his schooling explores the many changes and problems the Matt has had to deal with. Acting now as an advocate for persons with mental health issues, Matt hopes to create artwork the will open the dialogue for serious consideration of our treatment of mentally ill patients. In the fall of 2009 Matt began the Masters of Fine Arts program at Boise State University and plans on graduating with his MFA in the spring of 2011.