Chicago Bears Fans: Meet creative artist Matthew Sharpe
By Ryan Heckman
Sharpe can appreciate the current state of the defense
DWC: Who are some athletes you’d like to portray in your artwork that you haven’t used yet?
MS: I’m 1,000 percent playing to the hometown crowd, but literally preparing a piece featuring Akiem Hicks at the moment. I’m entirely biased towards the defensive side of the football and the passion and impact he brings to the field has made him a target for awhile now.
DWC: What is your most fond sports memory, whether playing or watching?
MS: Growing up in Canada as a Montreal Canadiens fan, it was watching that 1992-93 team capture the Stanley Cup. Still the last Canadian team to do so and that entire playoff run was something special.
DWC: Have you ever considered creating a piece based on that memory?
MS: While I’ve done some pieces feat. Patrick Roy, I’ve never done a composition celebrating that group. Heck of an idea.
https://twitter.com/daringsharpe/status/1108161246782779392
DWC: Give me your top 5 favorite Chicago Bears players you’ve watched personally.
MS: That I’ve watched personally? Well, I was born in ’81, so let’s say: Walter Payton, Charles Tillman, Brian Urlacher, Devin Hester, and… can I say the entire ’85 defense? While I don’t technically remember watching it, I sure as heck have an appreciation for the greatest D of all-time.
DWC: In your objective opinion, how do you see the NFC North shaking out this upcoming season?
MS: Trubisky… it’s all about Trubisky. If he continues to improve in year 3, they’re about as complete a team as you can get and the favorites to snag the division. If he stagnates or settles into the Grossman threshold, I think the Bears are in trouble and the door opens for the Vikings.