The sculptures and installations I create are a continuous exploration of the concept "might equals right/right equals might" and the balance of peace enforced and/or disrupted via bombs and second amendment gun rights in the United States. They are representative of a deeply personal individual right to exist within our nations construct.
The aesthetics I've developed over twenty years are a hybrid of my Eastern training in traditional and contemporary Japanese ceramics and fascination with American pop culture. The use of dry muted surfaces juxtaposed with shiny contrasting colors creates an optic experience full of visual depth and chromatic intensity. My work is a visually stimulating experience to be appreciated as high craft and understood conceptually by a variety of audiences. Sculptures are designed to attract individuals, drawing them in, inviting thought and causing reaction.
To me the allure of art making is not just the discipline of the creative process, development of medium, or continual conceptual exploration, it's being able to openly express anything. It is the epitome of freedom.
Bio
Born and raised in Columbus Ohio. Received BFA from the Columbus College of Art and Design in 1990 majoring in ceramics and sculpture. Left for Japan immediately after graduation to train in Kuwana under Ichizo Mori in traditional Japanese pottery methods. Relocated to Mashiko, Japan and worked with Yoshiji Onuki for two years practicing contemporary pottery and sculpture. Participated in various contemporary sculpture group and solo exhibitions while in Japan.
Returned to the United States in 1993 to earn an MFA in ceramic sculpture from the University of New Mexico then taught ceramics and sculpture at University of New Mexico Valencia Campus for nineteen years. Currently a new Resident Art Faculty member and lead of Ceramics and Sculpture at Chandler Gilbert Community College in Arizona.
Michael’s ceramic and steel sculptures have been shown at the New Mexico Museum of Art, the Albuquerque Museum, the Amarillo Museum of Art and at the prestigious Spiral Garden, Wacoal Art Center in Tokyo, Japan. Publications featuring artwork include 500 Ceramic Sculptures by Lark Books, American Craft, El Palacio and Around 505.