  Bigdada Member Username: Bigdada Post Number: 15 Registered: 09-2007 |
I don't have all of the details, but I just heard that Matt Blake died last night of a massive heart attack. Matt was a great artist and true friend and will be sorely missed. A lot of folks will be gathering at the Old Miami this afternoon in his memory. Damn! | ||
Birdie Member Username: Birdie Post Number: 41 Registered: 04-2007 |
Not Matt Blake who works in the woodshop at WSU...? What a tragedy. | ||
Django Member Username: Django Post Number: 334 Registered: 10-2003 |
I just heard a few hours ago, jus started cryin. The look on his face when he played thoes drums was worth the price of admission alone. I had a special respect for that guy. | ||
Viziondetroit Member Username: Viziondetroit Post Number: 1688 Registered: 11-2003 |
... who was Matt Blake | ||
Andylinn Member Username: Andylinn Post Number: 849 Registered: 04-2006 |
A great artist and friend of MOCAD. He was very young and will be sorely missed. See a piece in his memory at MOCAD in their new show. | ||
Sean_of_detroit Member Username: Sean_of_detroit Post Number: 322 Registered: 03-2008 |
You can "Google" him for info and reviews on some of his work. | ||
Alley Member Username: Alley Post Number: 140 Registered: 02-2008 |
that's so sad and strange. his art was amazing | ||
Leoqueen Member Username: Leoqueen Post Number: 2051 Registered: 07-2004 |
I just heard about his death tonight at the Russell Industrial building while viewing the shows there. What an unexpected tragedy. He was so young. Matt had worked on the Millenium Bell in Grand Circus Park. I cant believe he is gone... | ||
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy Post Number: 7795 Registered: 11-2004 |
I remember Matt working on the Millenium Bell as well. I just drove by it today after the Tigers game, telling a friend of mine how it was constructed and how it was used in the Y2K celebrations downtown. How tragic that such a talented guy is now gone. I'm shocked. | ||
Alley Member Username: Alley Post Number: 142 Registered: 02-2008 |
and ironic, with this being Art Detroit Now! weekend  (Message edited by alley on May 11, 2008) | ||
Django Member Username: Django Post Number: 335 Registered: 10-2003 |
Im just feelin for his wife. He was so goddamn young. Yeah, I was there for the Millenium Bell opening at midnite 2000 with CT and everybody. It wasnt his greatest piece, (I believe) but Im glad its there to remind me of him when I drive by. I dont want to make it sound Like I was a good friend of his cause I wasnt. We would run into eachother at different metalshops around the city, different events, Like I said, I always had a special Respect for him. He had demons in the past (before I knew him) and he kicked their ass. He overcame some difficult shit as I was told. I remember going over to his house with my dog Farnsworth, I said "Matt, my dog gets along with everybody and every dog, let them hang out" meaning my dog and his (Matt has a pitbull). Matt was unsure but gave it a try and his dog immediately locked his jaws onto Farns' lower lip, we were tryin to pull them apart but realized his dog was locked, if we kept pullin them apart, his dog would be poopin out my dogs lower lip the next day. Luckily I had a large screwdriver in my truck so I went and got it and pryed his dogs jaws off of Farnsworths lower lip. Dude we were a fuckin wreck. But Im laughin now thinkin about that afternoon with him. Anyone has ANY memories of him, now would be the time to share them. Id like to see this thread for a while. Ill try and keep it updated with info on the funeral and what better be a kickass celebration wake in tribute to him. | ||
Spacemonkey Member Username: Spacemonkey Post Number: 562 Registered: 03-2006 |
How old was he? | ||
Alley Member Username: Alley Post Number: 146 Registered: 02-2008 |
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =ROT5Su-bvEY this link will take you to a video of Bogue playing at the Detroit Art Space '02. Matt was the drummer before Bill Hafer | ||
Django Member Username: Django Post Number: 338 Registered: 10-2003 |
I think 42 | ||
Alley Member Username: Alley Post Number: 148 Registered: 02-2008 |
  | ||
Sandyrabbit Member Username: Sandyrabbit Post Number: 30 Registered: 02-2008 |
can not seem to find the words today, it's all just this incredible sinking feeling in the pit of my gut. yesterday i found out that i lost one of the most inspirational people i have ever met in my life. i have always had a way of pushing loss waaaay down into my being and just dealing with it because i have no other choice. but for some reason i can't seem to lasso this one. he was someone who was not only a brilliant artist and musician. but also one of the kindest people i was ever gifted to know. he took his time with every person he met and was sincerely interested in whatever they may have had to say. he let them into himself and he cared enough to do the same. a true one of a kind. people can only hope to find such greatness in themselves or others. he was just so incredibly refreshing and calming, an intense passionate human being and a damn good friend. he made an impression that will last my entire life. we will all miss you matt. i hope you are somewhere smiling and someone else is getting the chance to be inspired by. you were too big for this world. your greatness could not be harnessed. i actually wrote this earlier but decided to add to this thread, here is the link the his previous misty, which has always been one of my favourites in this city, just like he was. big hug to his lovely wife. i am so sorry for his family and for all of us. http://www.myspace.com/mistytheband (Message edited by sandyrabbit on May 11, 2008) | ||
Alley Member Username: Alley Post Number: 151 Registered: 02-2008 |
(I love love the song Natural Disaster) | ||
Sandyrabbit Member Username: Sandyrabbit Post Number: 31 Registered: 02-2008 |
every song on that demo was incredible eh? i loved how those two worked together, i remember the first time i ever saw them play was at this strange yet amazing little venue called the car was on jefferson avenue. it was quite surreal, the surrounding, the two of them, the great energy in the air. everybody smiling, enjoying one another. times like those is what keeps here in detroit. people like matt blake have always kept me here. this just sucks. | ||
Gannon Member Username: Gannon Post Number: 12782 Registered: 12-2003 |
Sandy, Are you OK? Where are you right now? Do you need company? Sincerely, John | ||
Sandyrabbit Member Username: Sandyrabbit Post Number: 32 Registered: 02-2008 |
i'm ok thanks john just bummed. it's natural. hope you are well. and thanks again. | ||
Gannon Member Username: Gannon Post Number: 12785 Registered: 12-2003 |
Let this out, dearheart. Do not keep it inside. There are those who are here to help, me and Kate for two...and we will be around whenever you need us. The next post will have my phone number, give me a ring or text to let me know I can delete it, but I want to make sure you have it. You've got Kate's number, right?! Jean's? Sincerely, you are too precious to go this alone...no matter how damn tough you want to show us all on the outside! Love you, John | ||
Lowell Board Administrator Username: Lowell Post Number: 4798 Registered: 10-2003 |
I am deeply saddened by this premature passing of a great artist, musician and friend. Our relationship dates back to the days when fresh out of CCS he was a part of the dynamic Propellor collective with studios next to Stephen Goodfellow in a building now supplanted by the Veteran's Hospital. In the 1995 Interventions show at the DIA, where I created an online interactive tour title "Total Intervention" of a reconfigured DIA, [where I virtually removed the art and replaced with that of Detroit artists  ], I needed a industrial age station to hide the post industrial computer and monitor to complete irony. Matt built it for me creating an amazing computer station from scrap metal parts. The DIA eventually acquired the piece which can be seen in this picture.  RIP my friend. Life is so unfair sometimes. | ||
Gannon Member Username: Gannon Post Number: 12789 Registered: 12-2003 |
OMG, I DO know this gent. This was Matt who had that terrible car accident back in the day and had to wear that huge halo for his neck troubles, wasn't it? As soon as you said Propellor...Lowell...now it hits home. I haven't seen him in a while, if he hung out at the Miami, neither of us recognized the other from back when. Closer to my heart as well...what a terrific guy, the world just got a little colder again. | ||
Lowell Board Administrator Username: Lowell Post Number: 4799 Registered: 10-2003 |
Yep that's him Gannon. I wondered yesterday when I heard of the tragedy at the MOCAD opening, where a small homage to him had been quickly placed, if that accident might have had some effect. He nearly died from it.  Matt Blake and Kristen Peplinski at the 4th Street Fair 2006 | ||
Esteban Member Username: Esteban Post Number: 84 Registered: 10-2003 |
I cannot adequately describe my horror at receiving the news of Matt Blake's passing. Matt, a member of the Propeller Boys, had their studio next to mine in Joell Landy's old warehouse on 262 E. Forest (The warehouse was torn down in the early 90's to make way for more medical Center.) Matt had so much life-force - he was a joy to be around; friendly, intelligent. What a loss for his loved ones, friends and art community. | ||
Barnesfoto Member Username: Barnesfoto Post Number: 5060 Registered: 10-2003 |
I got the news Sat. AM and have been digesting it over the last two days. I met Matt at the final party at 262 E. Forest, but didn't really bond until years later, when He and Kris moved into my old neighborhood. I had looked at their 1st house when it was abandoned ruin and thought "What crazy people would take on this house? My question was answered when Matt and Kristen bought it, and gradually turned it into something out of "House Beautiful". We bonded over junk-Both of us were pack rats who loved to comb the city for materials...Like many who spent time much time in Detroit, Matt learned to find beauty in what others saw as ugliness, and to make beauty out of what others saw as useless junk. So we would visit each others houses and admire each others latest treasure aquisititions...I admired the huge sink that he wrestled out of the ruins of the College of Arts and Crafts, he admired the huge sink that I plucked off a curb on West Grand Blvd. And we were always trying to offer surplus items to each other for "adoption". I still laugh when I remember him earnestly offering me a rusted-out 1980 BMW... I also had great times visiting him at the amazing woodshop at WSU, which I never managed to use when I attended classes there, but got plenty of use out while I was fixing up my last Detroit house. I tried to comfort myself in the fact that he died playing drums, but there's really no comfort to be found. Like so many of Detroit's Best and Brightest who have left us suddenly, we needed forty two more years of him, and now he's left us all shaking our heads; yes, by this time in life we are all familiar with Mortality, thank you, but it was far too early. My heart goes out to his wonderful family and friends. | ||
Esteban Member Username: Esteban Post Number: 85 Registered: 10-2003 |
Follow-up: I've placed an obit on the CorridorTribe page about Matt: http://www.corridortribe.com/o bits/matt_blake/matt_blake.htm Please post information about Matt here as it occurs. (Special thanks to Lowell for letting me use a picture without permission.) Thanks! | ||
Django Member Username: Django Post Number: 341 Registered: 10-2003 |
Barnesfoto, That was beautiful. Im cryin again. Sandyrabbit, you said it right on also. Ive lost better friends but never have been so touched by the loss of someone like I have his. Like I said, we were not close friends, Im awed by how much Im feeling by all this. | ||
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy Post Number: 7804 Registered: 11-2004 |
The blades of Propeller spin a little more wobbly now. 'Tis been a sad few days thinking about the loss of Matt now. The Detroit art scene is a little less creative with his passing. | ||
Gravitymachine Member Username: Gravitymachine Post Number: 2077 Registered: 05-2005 |
many condolences to those who knew and loved him. I regret that i only knew of him and some of his work. (Message edited by gravitymachine on May 12, 2008) | ||
Django Member Username: Django Post Number: 346 Registered: 10-2003 |
I just got word of the funeral for Matt (I cant believe Im typing this) I havnt got the name of the funeral home but its on Thursday May 15th at 4 PM. The address is 461 Piuuette, Detroit Mi, 48202. Thats all the info I have at the moment but Ill update asap. | ||
East_detroit Member Username: East_detroit Post Number: 1739 Registered: 11-2003 |
461 Piquette is t-Plex. Are you sure? | ||
Alley Member Username: Alley Post Number: 159 Registered: 02-2008 |
I'm not sure this is the actual funeral A memorial gathering for Matt will be held at 4 p.m., Thursday, May 16, on the third floor of the Piquette Model T Plant, 461 Piquette Ave., Detroit. http://www.metrotimes.com/edit orial/story.asp?id=12863 | ||
Django Member Username: Django Post Number: 347 Registered: 10-2003 |
Okay, Im sorry, I got that info through word of mouth. I made a couple of calls, Thats what I got. Thank you for the correction. Its not the actual funeral but the memorial or wake as I understand, Also I should have mapquested it at least. Yes Its Piquette. Ill be givin Jake some shit for that bad info. I was wondering about that street name?? Alley, we still have some confusion though because the 15th is Thursday, I was told it was Thursday, Thats wwhy I posted it as the 15th. (Message edited by django on May 12, 2008) | ||
Alley Member Username: Alley Post Number: 162 Registered: 02-2008 |
Thursday IS the 15th! Now I'm confused. Let me do some digging, I'll email Rebecca Mazzei and see if I can find out what's up | ||
Alley Member Username: Alley Post Number: 163 Registered: 02-2008 |
OK, she emailed back that it's Thursday May 15 | ||
Django Member Username: Django Post Number: 348 Registered: 10-2003 |
I just sent her too, called Jerome, and bandmate Mike but no response. Thanks. If your there Thursday say hello to the big guy with the eyepatch. | ||
Barnesfoto Member Username: Barnesfoto Post Number: 5066 Registered: 10-2003 |
Just got this message, was asked to share with everyone: This Wednesday’s, “This Week in Art” at Motor City Brewing Works was to feature Mr. Dave Roberts. However, the brewery will be postponing Dave’s show to next Wednesday, May 19th so that we can feature a memorial for our friend Mathew Blake who passed away over the weekend. We are asking anyone who has an art work by Matt to contact us if they are interested in lending it to the brewery for that evening. You can contact John at the brewery (johnlinardos@motorcitybeer.com, or 313.832.2700) or Graem Whyte (graemwhyte@yahoo.com) to participate. Other ideas are welcome that would lend themselves to this show of respect and remembrance. Again this call is for this Wednesday the 14th. Thank you for your kind attention to this posting. “This Week in Art” Motor City Brewing Works | ||
Plymouthres Member Username: Plymouthres Post Number: 514 Registered: 02-2007 |
Perhaps this will help. From this morning's Free Press: BLAKE MATTHEW STEVEN May 13, 2008 age 43. Passed away suddenly of a massive heart attack Saturday, May 10. He leaves behind his beloved wife Hazel; parents Gerry and Carol Blake; brother Jeffery & wife Sandra; sister Kristin Smith & husband Marc; grandmother Edyth Blake; father in law Anthony Peplinski & his wife Jane; mother in law Karen Wiland & her husband Robert. An artist & musician, Matthew touched many lives in his short lifetime & will be missed by many. There will be a celebration of Matthew's life at 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 15 at the Piquette Model T Complex (3rd floor), 461 Piquette Ave. (betw. Brush & John R) Detroit. May God rest his soul. | ||
Davidburton Member Username: Davidburton Post Number: 2 Registered: 05-2008 |
Hello, I knew Matt from High School. As you can imagine Matt was always smiling and full of life. We were in marching band together, played in talent show bands, and were both eagle scouts from the same troop. Matt and I even recorded together at a 16 track studio together. My heart and prayers goes out to all of you. david burton | ||
Lowell Board Administrator Username: Lowell Post Number: 4800 Registered: 10-2003 |
This from Michelle Perron gallerist of the CCS art Gallery. Detroit's Art Community lost a friend and gained an angel last Friday when MATTHEW BLAKE passed away. Matthew - artist, musician, beloved friend and CCS Alumnus - died on Friday, May 9. Following is information on two memorial events to be held this week: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MEMORIAL SERVICE: Thursday, May 15 at 4:00 p.m. Piquette Model T Plant, 3rd Floor 461 Piquette Avenue Detroit, MI 48202 (On Piquette between Beaubien & Brush, corner of Beaubien & Piquette. Enter on Piquette. Parking either inside the building or on the street. Follow signs for 3rd floor access.) Matthew's uncle will perform a service followed by words spoken from members of his family. Cards will be available for you to share your stories and thoughts of Matthew. Please bring pictures of Matthew that you would be willing to contribute to the family, as they would like to display them at the service. If you have questions please feel free to call (248) 217-1017. **Please dress warmly as the building is without heat. | ||
Chandyside Member Username: Chandyside Post Number: 15 Registered: 08-2005 |
I heard the news yesterday afternoon at work and it made the rest of the day pretty much insignificant. I knew Matt as one of the most inspired drummers I've ever witnessed and knew of his art as an admirer. he was a do-er. not a talker. A connector between people who otherwise might not have thought to be connected and every time i encountered him -- every damn time -- he had that infectious smile on his face, an indomitable spirit emanating from every pore of his being and i am immensely sad that this world can no longer count him amongst our number. damnit. | ||
Django Member Username: Django Post Number: 354 Registered: 10-2003 |
Man Id love to get a video of Matt at a high school talent show. Just gives me a smile thinking about it. | ||
Chalu64 Member Username: Chalu64 Post Number: 243 Registered: 08-2005 |
RIP, Matt. Lowell, is that Stewart S. in the photo above? | ||
Aoife Member Username: Aoife Post Number: 55 Registered: 04-2007 |
"Detroit Today" on WDET is running a piece on Matthew right now. If you miss it, you can listen through the website later. | ||
Gnome Member Username: Gnome Post Number: 1240 Registered: 08-2007 |
craiggy reports memorial service to be held at 4pm today (thursday) at the "Piquette Plant" which I assume is Henry Ford's place. Missed the exact address. sorry | ||
Baa_faa Member Username: Baa_faa Post Number: 1 Registered: 05-2008 |
Matty Blake. My friend. Your smile. Your talent. Your love for life, creativity, the city of Detroit. Just you being you meant so much to me. I can only say that you are back in art heaven where you came from. You will not be forgotten. God bless your soul. I will miss you for a long time. Or at least until my day comes and then we can catch up and compare notes and laugh together like we used to. Your ever loving bro. -Barrie | ||
Downriviera Member Username: Downriviera Post Number: 421 Registered: 02-2008 |
I never knew Matt, but I am touched by these posts. Unfortunately, I am all to familiar with losing people close to me. In the immediate aftermath, you want things to be the same, to be normal. But things will never be the same. So you have to find a new level of normal. And over time, you do. | ||
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy Post Number: 7827 Registered: 11-2004 |
This week's Metro Times had a nice article as well. | ||
Kathleen Member Username: Kathleen Post Number: 2850 Registered: 10-2003 |
I didn't know Matt, but I had seen him around. Prayers to his family and friends as he certainly will be missed! Metro Times piece: http://www.metrotimes.com/edit orial/story.asp?id=12863 The Detroiter.com: http://thedetroiter.com/b2evoA rt/blogs/index.php?blog=2&titl e=matt_blake_a_small_tribute&m ore=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1 |
