Meet: Matt Brubaker

PEEPS | those who Create

This season, LAKElife Magazine is celebrating area ARTISTS— those who share their creative gifts to help celebrate the beauty that is lake life.

Nominated by our readership,

Meet: Matt

Brubaker

by Ray Balogh | photos provided

Some talents were just meant to shape into fruition. So it is with Matt Brubaker—who has made good use of water skis that “were just lying around.” Brubaker used the old skis, plying his creativity to render them into masterful pieces of art—art that is, in fact, increasing in demand.

What’s unique about your artwork?

My artwork is using vintage wooden water skis, taking off the bindings and fins, sanding them down, staining and applying several coats of polyurethane for a glossy finish. Lori (Matt’s wife of nearly 27 years) applies resin that looks like water on some of them. On other skis I mount coat hooks and apply different graphics, usually with a nautical theme. I have made several custom shot skis for different customers and family members. I've made a custom sofa-type table out of a pair of skis for a couple. And, this past year we made a “Tropical” signpost for a customer.

What is your favorite medium for your artwork?

I prefer working with vintage wooden skis, in particular the old Cypress Gardens skis. They are made of quality wood and the woodgrain really pops when stained.

Where have you displayed your artwork?

Lori and I have been doing the Farmers & Artisans Market in Warsaw for the past two years. We have also been at the Artisans & Farmers Market in Syracuse several times. We've done several other shows, such as Canal Days at the Village of Winona, Dixie Day in North Webster, Teeple's Pond south of Milford, Kimmel House in Kimmel, and several pop-up events around the area.

What has been your experience with life at the lake?

Although I didn't grow up on a lake, boating and lake activities have been part of my life since I was younger; my parents had boats in the ‘60s and ‘70s, and a lake cottage on Chapman Lake in the ‘80s. Lori grew up on Webster Lake and still has family there, so we can still get in some lake time. Living in Kosciusko County, it's just natural for ‘lake life’ to be a part of our lives.

How do you get inspired to conceive a piece of artwork?

I was first inspired by the resin artwork my wife had been doing and thought it could be applied to vintage skis. I've had people request custom items like the ski table or custom shot skis. I have several skis, and sets of skis, laying around just waiting for an idea to pop in my head.

What are your future plans concerning your artwork?

I plan to continue working with vintage skis— as long as I can find them! I've enjoyed taking part in the local markets and craft shows, and have met so many interesting people.

How can readers learn more?

I call my ski business “BRUSKIS.” (It’s) kind of a play on words—Brubaker and Skis! My cell is 574.551.2709, and my wife has a Facebook page, Lori's Artistic Expressions, with some pictures of my work.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Sure! I'm always on the hunt for vintage skis, and I'm always open to doing custom work for people.

Do you know a creative lake lovin’ local who we should learn more about? Great! Email us at sue@lakelifemagazine.com.