Meet Matt Rinn | Artist & Creator of Imaginations

We had the good fortune of connecting with Matt Rinn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matt, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in Bangkok, Thailand, the youngest of three with two older sisters. My father Paul Rinn, who was an officer in the US Navy and mother Pamela, a retired nurse, are both natives of New York. My father’s naval career landed us in several locations spanning the east coast of the US and Canada. Of these places, the majority of my childhood was spent in the town of Summerville, South Carolina, a subtropical and culturally diverse suburb of Charleston. There, I engaged in a vast range of the recreational activities accessible to me, which included soccer, surfing, skateboarding, sailing, hunting, fishing, creating, and rough housing with my friends. That said, I also had to grow up fast in many ways as a result of my father’s enduring deployments defending our country in some of the scariest places on this earth.

During my sophomore year of high school we relocated to Northern Virginia (Washington D.C.). This move taught me how to adapt and to overcome the challenge of starting over. Suddenly I had far fewer recreational outlets, which led me to double-down on soccer and school, and mountain biking as well as snowboarding on a seasonable basis. My proximity to the big city of D.C created a shift and expansion of my cultural experience. Ultimately, finishing high school in NOVA (Northern Virginia) was a humbling and character-building time of my life. Most notably, I learned that I have work my a*s off to achieve my goals, and never expect anything to just be handed to me.

Following high school, I attended James Madison University, where I played soccer for their team and graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree with a focus on Hospital administration in December of 1997. Shortly thereafter in March of 1998 I moved to Colorado.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The term “mad scientist” has often been applied when describing my methods. I create people’s imaginations without strict adherence to a particular medium in order to accomplish a vision. Everything from live edge wood, concrete, epoxy, and metal. However, I am intentional about sourcing and giving new life to forgotten pieces; reclaiming materials. Having the opportunity to do what I love blows me away everyday. That said, this journey is not for the faint of heart. It has consistently challenged me; through relentless learning curves, inherent dangers and its unpredictable nature (both physically AND financially). The kind of creating I do has taught me to stay aware of my surroundings, that if I’m scared it means I’m meeting an opportunity for growth, if it’s hard it means I’m learning, and if I’m happy that means I’m living! When you see my work, it is my love. I create to make you think and feel.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We start off the week by heading to Canon City to meet up with my buddy Ty Seufer at his Royal Gorge Rafting Co., an all around adventure park with lodging, for some white water thrills, and follow it up with a celebratory meal at the world famous White Water Bar & Grill. We then settle into our beach-front yurts for a restful night. The next morning we spend zip lining up and down the Royal Gorge canyons before heading back north where we’ll enjoy lunch South Platte River-side at Breckenridge Brewery. From there we’d rally to concert at the incredible Red Rocks amphitheater. After a much needed night of sleep in my home of Castle Rock, we’d venture to recover further at John and Janie De-Lay’s breakfast/brunch gem of a scratch-kitchen, Pegasus, in downtown Castle Rock. We’d catch a leisure ride on the light rail down to Denver’s Union station where we’d enjoy a cocktail at Terminal Bar before walking to a Rockies game at Coors Field. Depending on the visitor, it might be high-time for a lengthy rest, but otherwise day 4 we’re full-sending on mountain bikes at Trestle bike park in Winter Park or stay closer and hit up Enchanted Forest in Golden CO. Whilst in the Golden area we’d enjoy floating on tubes down Clear Creek, followed by beers at The Toad brewery. Lastly we’d pay visit to my buddies at Colorado Wood & Metal where we could geek out on their cool operation while appreciating a backdrop of the Boulder Flat Irons. For a final day or two I’d love to tie-in some more spectacular scenery and wild-life viewing opportunity, whether that be driving up Guanella Pass or venturing through Rocky Mountain National Park, either of which offer charming towns to munch-in and do touristy things along the way.

So many options! Really depends of the time of the year and who is visiting. During winter we’d trade out bikes for skis and boards, outdoor venues for music halls, and Rockies for Avalanche, Nuggets or Broncos.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I must thank mother nature for being my #1 inspiration. My family for always believing in and encouraging me to do what I love! My girlfriend Abby Roemer, whose creativity inspires me, keeps me focused and painstakingly the best quality control officer one could have. Susie Q, who gave me the courage and support to shift from corporate career to career-artist, full send! My Castle Rock crew for their constant support, opportunities and love. Darren Skanson of Colorado Art Weekend for always finding booth space for me. Peggie and Stephanie of Colorado Furniture in Conifer for picking up my furniture lines and providing insightful feedback. Scott Meininger and Tyler Roberts at Colorado Wood & Metal for being generous with their expertise and having an amazing wood selection. Cale Dansbee and Josh Peters, my “Detail Dudes” who willingly lend their strengths in support of my weaknesses. Lastly, shout-out to all of my friends not mentioned by name for your relentless reminders and encouragement to keep pushing it and to never give up! Thank you and much love!

Website: https://RinnOriginal.com

Instagram: @rinnoriginal

Facebook: matt rinn

Youtube: rinnoriginals