Bio
Biography
Michael holds a BA in Sculpture from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. After a decade working as an independent artist and jeweler, he transitioned into a digital graphic art role in the medical technology sector, launching a 20-year career as a software product manager, patent holder, and startup co-founder. His expertise in the field of sleep medicine led to featured appearances on MythBusters and a Discovery Channel documentary. Following a final decade of organizational leadership in the nonprofit sector, Michael returned to his studio practice in 2024. Today, he channels his passion for cultural diversity and our shared human experience into evocative mixed-media creations.
Artist Statement
My work explores internal landscapes of thought, emotion, and memory inspired by the transformative events that punctuate the final third of life. I merge photography from decades of world travel with stylus brushwork and abstract color fields to create digital* compositions filled with enigmatic emotional content. My technique layers these elements, much like a painter layers semi-transparent color, to build visual depth and texture. I also integrate elements of our shared global heritage such as ancient symbols and modern iconography to bridge cultural boundaries. I want my work to resonate within the established art community, but I also want to connect with uninitiated viewers who are often excluded from the cryptic language of visual art.
* Statement on the Use of Artificial Intelligence
Although I use a digital interface to create my images, they are crafted by hand using stylus brush work and well establish tools from digital photography and graphic arts. I never use artificial intelligence or generative algorithms in my artwork, ensuring every piece remains an authentic, human-made creation.