Mat Simmons—Mat the Maker—is a resident of Tuscaloosa, Alabama working out of Black Warrior Studio & Gallery and a member of Woodworkers Association of West Alabama. As a well-rounded artisan and designer whose work is inspired by function and driven by form, his current work explores the relationship between the natural world and the objects with which we surround ourselves. His work can be seen throughout the South in both home residences and commercial properties adding artisanal and hand-crafted touches no matter the nature of the job.

Mat the Maker’s mission is clear and simple—taking time honored techniques and attention to craftsmanship to make high quality custom work with elevated modern aesthetic. Mat the Maker’s long-term goals are to provide clients with custom woodworking including cabinetry, unique casework for artists, and furniture to illuminate any home.

For custom work and commission inquiries, please contact Mat. 

Since the dawn of man, we as a species have endeavored to build creations that can outlive us and withstand the test of time. Personally, I enjoy the challenge of attempting projects that add to my arsenal of skill sets, access to new tools, and refine my grasp of the fundamentals. When I get a project in my head, part of the job is already done because I methodically study the plan, implement the strategy, and let the art influence me along the way. My creativity and my curiosity are two character traits that serve me well in my work, and sometimes I lose track of where I end and the art begins.

While I largely consider myself to be self-taught and a self-starter, I’ve had an assembly of mentors from the modest countrymen to the commercially successful that have helped me harness new skills and acquire new inspiration in their recognition of my drive and potential. Many of my first generation projects were built with the intention of exclusively enjoying them myself. For me, there is not much I would not build myself because I derive a sense of fulfillment in making something that most people would buy. While I like working with all materials, I find I currently prefer working with wood as it is the catalyst for much of my recent inspiration. It is naturally beautiful, and the arrays of options are plentiful all with their individual characteristics and nuances. The more I work with different woods, the more I respect live material as a medium as I add to my deep knowledge of what permits me to make what I envision.

All my life I’ve heard that the most fortunate workers in this world are those who have found authentic purpose in their career and would be doing it regardless of the money or public acknowledgement. My attention and focus have always had the tendency to drift when I am not fully captivated by that which I devote my time and energy. In between working jobs in construction and welding in my early twenties, I realized I enjoyed working with my hands and creating something from nothing. After ten years of self-exploration as a creative, I recognize I am the best version of myself when I am working to create something that calls to both my mind and my heart. My experience and education have evolved me into a maker. I call myself a maker because while I am pursuing mastery, the gold is in studying the game, getting my hands moving, and developing my potential.

With gratitude,

MAt The Maker