Richard Matzkin

My art has come full circle. As a child I was immersed in visual arts. My natural talent has earned me awards and scholarships to Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles. I completely lost interest in art as I began to pursue a career as a jazz drummer and psychology in the early 60s. Then, 25 years later, my wife, Alice, enrolled me in a clay sculpture class. From the first day onward, I began to produce figurative sculptures with ease and without reference to models or photographs. In the last 12 years I have been called to write three books.

In 2009 , shocked by our aging bodies, my wife, Alice, and I, explored our fear and curiosity about growing older through Alice's paintings, my sculptures, the wisdom of elders, and the written word. Together, we created the dual award winning art and inspirational book, THE ART OF AGING: Celebrating the Authentic Aging Self.

In 2016, moved by my magnificent 34 year marriage to Alice, I wrote the dual award winning book, LOVING PROMISES: The Master Class For Creating Magnificent Relationship. I used our partnership as a living laboratory to research the elements that comprise a truly loving, magnificent relationship.

In 2020, Inspired by the changing times, I wrote the book, MANIFESTO: A Call For Men To Become Warriors For Kindness. This is a beautifully illustrated poetic essay that calls for men of good will to address the greedy, uncaring actions of men whose inability to love is causing pain and suffering in the world. It challenges us to take on the essential, life changing work of opening our own hearts to love.

And... a new book brewing - ManKINDNESS: How A Man Can Become A More Loving and Love-able Partner.

I have participated in numerous one man and group shows and have pieces in Collections throughout the United States.

I was key artist in a monumental equestrian sculpture in a train station in Ventura County.

I was honored as a Ventura County artist by FOCUS ON THE MASTERS. My work was catalogued and archived for future generations.

I have been a member of the OJAI STUDIO ARTISTS since 1994. (Now Retired)

I was a therapist, men's group leader, adjunct Instructor in the California Community College system, Director of a court mandated treatment program for domestic violence, and Program Director of a psychiatric hospital. I hold a Master's Degree in Psychology.

I was selected by the National Center For Creative Aging as one of 10 Beautiful Minds in a national campaign that celebrates individuals 55 and older who are keeping their minds beautiful (and their bodies healthy).

For more information, or to purchase sculptures, contact us at TheMatzkins@gmail.com.