T Dot’s Time | Matthew Del Degan

Matthew Del Degan grew up in Toronto and continues to live and work there. His workflow involves using 2D software and a multitude of 3D rendering software. He also draws and professes to know “a thing or two about concrete, paper, and glue.” A thing or two about concrete, hmm? If you were one of the countless people to witness or hear about Del Degan’s Love Invasion, whereby he distributed around a hundred 250-pound cement robot sculptures with big red hearts throughout the city, you’ll know that might be a bit of an understatement. His aim with the Lovebot Love Invasion was to remind people of their humanity—their ability to love and be compassionate—in the midst of the concrete jungle of the city. 

“The word ‘Lovebot’ is now part of Toronto’s lexicon. This city is my home base, and my work has been my love letter to Toronto and the people here. In trying to remind people to not be robotic—function, just to go to work and follow the program—I've ended up liberating myself and many others. I love Toronto. It's simple as that. My work is not done here. In fact, it's only about to improve and expand.”

Del Degan asserts that he wakes up early each day knowing that he’s going to change the world, and that every day is different. Whether he’s out skydiving, visiting an unfamiliar place, or staying up all night to watch the sun rise, he never has a 'normal' day. That said, one routine-based thing he enjoys is meeting with his assistant coordinator, Rodger Beck, on Monday mornings to review the “Do it” list that he created the night before. Del Degan, who believes that planning is important but action is everything, appropriately believes in making “Do it” lists in lieu of “To do” lists, and it is this proactive, enthusiastic attitude that sets him apart.

“I believe in leading with love. If you make actions out of love, then incredible advances and wonderful things will happen in your life. If you live in fear, you will be controlled by it and your life will revolve around the mundane and the ordinary. It's the difference between going for it, and being paralyzed by fear. I can confidently say that I've never doubted my career choice. I do, however, feel the need to find intrinsic motivation constantly, because I am absolutely terrified of living an ordinary life. I can't fathom living anything but an extraordinary life, so I wake up every day knowing that I will absolutely change the world. The fear of not living an extraordinary life is the reason why I do great things, like make robot armies, lead others, professionally skydive, drive motorcycles, make contemporary art, toys and street art, and live with an open heart.”

He asserts that he sees the art world like the NBA. Not everyone makes it. In fact, only a select few have enough talent and enough drive to make a solid career of the art game. But, just as the NBA needs exceptional players, the art world needs exceptional players, and so he constantly strives to be the best there is. And Del Degan certainly knows how to make an impression.

One of his favourite pieces is a mural he created for Virgin Mobile. He worked with at-risk youth from SKETCH, a local arts initiative, to brainstorm concepts for the image. The result is an abstraction of West Queen West that depicts his Lovebot character surrounded by imagery dealing with the youths’ feelings concerning gentrification, urban rebellion, and the effects of technology on society, among other themes. Although it deals with some intense topics, it was designed to bring joy and wonder into the Virgin Mobile Queen Street store, and everyone involved, especially Del Degan, was quite proud of the final product.

“If art wasn't a conscious decision, I wouldn't be doing great things with it. I studied Industrial Design in University knowing that I would make art for the rest of my life. I play the role of the avant-garde and infiltrator. Sometimes I stand out like a sore thumb. Other times I'm using the tools of a well-educated designer. But each day I'm making art. In the end, I am considered an artist publicly but I, myself, am not bound by any title. I'm whatever I wake up and decide to do.”