Week One
By Mike • Jun 28th, 2008 • Category: Micheal SwattI am getting paid hourly as an artist. I never would have thought this the case anytime before this week. I also work one day a week at OHM in Armory Square painting and receive a weekly stipend to do so. I think many of my closest friends would still be here if what we do was looked at as a profession. It’s work, it is a full time job that for most takes until middle age to see a return.
Mike is a self taught artist. I materialize ideas to encourage interaction, reflection and ultimately beautify space. Initially I was inspired by NYC and Washington D.C. galleries and museums. I was influenced by the use of space, the Curation, presentation and the diversity of works.
My paintings strive to evoke a relationship between chaos and control. I use a systematic process of pattern and arithmetic with alternating fields of color. I allow the patterns I create to interlace, resulting in both diverging layers of airiness and premeditated geometry which together promote movement.
I choose to keep the entire process in my full control. I build and stretch each canvas by hand then prime, sand, paint and finish the edges. With each canvas I begin with either a colorfield or a system of shapes and colors for a background. From this background I move toward setting patterns of specific lines, shapes and angles. Last I incorporate color correction and color reversal in select areas.
I am currently creating my art in a new format. In the past I have produced primarily in a studio setting. Since December 2006 I have been creating in front of an audience. I paint on stage at night clubs, galleries, museums, private functions and outdoor exhibitions. Performance painting allows me to draw energy and stimulus from a crowd of people. Creating in this format grants me the opportunity to interact with other people, and it encourages feedback and a personal glance into my artistic process.
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