First exhibit for this artist...
Important Note: At Michael's request, this one is not a video interview. Not a problem! :)
Michael's work is part of the "First Four" exhibit at Allentown Art Works. The exhibit, honestly, I could not wait for. 2014, Expressions Studio takes over curating exhibits at the Art Works. With a lot of people there, I changed the one way I do interviews: on the spot. Michael was my first victim, I mean person for the new style. Just kidding on the victim part. I used my initials to avoid confusion.
Michael's work is part of the "First Four" exhibit at Allentown Art Works. The exhibit, honestly, I could not wait for. 2014, Expressions Studio takes over curating exhibits at the Art Works. With a lot of people there, I changed the one way I do interviews: on the spot. Michael was my first victim, I mean person for the new style. Just kidding on the victim part. I used my initials to avoid confusion.
Interview
M.P.: First question is basic and standard. How long have you been doing art and painting? Michael: I started doing any kind of art about 2 years ago. I stopped right out of college because I lost interest in art. It was frustrating the way I was working, very detail and realistically. It wasn't worth my effort. 2 years ago, I had the bug for a while. I started doing it again. M.P: It's something that's in your blood... Michael: You can never get rid of it. You try to forget about it, it just creeps up. I am happy I did that.
M.P: Was there a certain event or thing that happened that made you decide "I really want to do this again?" Michael: I have been thinking about it for years. A friend had bought me an easel as a random gift. I figured: "I have to at least set it up." That was probably the year before I seriously jumped back in. That was the spark, entirely random.
Going back to Michael's history in art...
M.P.: You did art in college. Did you always have natural for it? Michael: Yes. I had the natural growing up. In high school, I made money doing jackets and album covers. Pretty much right until I went to college.
Back to the present
Michael: It a while to get my hand back (figuratively). The first year, I just couldn't get it. It wasn't coming out. I think that was the point I decided to loosen up; that was when it started coming. M.P.: Basically, you were trying to force it through? Michael: Exactly! Once I stopped doing it with my head, that's when it started happening. I let go. That is where I am at. Trying to develop some form of style. I am just going with it.
Some questions about the show.
M.P.: This is your first show. What did you think coming into it? Michael (laughing): I was a little apprehensive. I have never shown my work to anyone. Having seen the other artists who were going to be a part of the show; definitely a little apprehensive. They are all really good. M.P.: A little intimidating? Michael: Yeah. I am really glad I did it. It's a lot of fun!
M.P.: It's a good turnout tonight. I heard you getting some good feedback on your art so far. What do you think as far as the turnout and feedback you are getting? Michael (mildly shocked): I am amazed at the feedback. I didn't think much of the work. I just do it. It sits in a pile in a room. I do art because I need to do it. The feedback is fantastic. It's unexpected.
On that stroke, I am cutting part 1 a little short. The next question has nothing to do with Michael's background or the show. I always get curious what artists think about a certain area / genre. Like any other journalist / author, I have to keep you in suspense. Here is the answer in Part 2.
As always, thanks for checking out part 1 of my interview with Michael Hess. I hope you enjoy the entire interview!
Be safe in the night and always,
Michael Phoenix (founder / website / writer / photographer / etc.)
A Valley and Beyond
M.P: Was there a certain event or thing that happened that made you decide "I really want to do this again?" Michael: I have been thinking about it for years. A friend had bought me an easel as a random gift. I figured: "I have to at least set it up." That was probably the year before I seriously jumped back in. That was the spark, entirely random.
Going back to Michael's history in art...
M.P.: You did art in college. Did you always have natural for it? Michael: Yes. I had the natural growing up. In high school, I made money doing jackets and album covers. Pretty much right until I went to college.
Back to the present
Michael: It a while to get my hand back (figuratively). The first year, I just couldn't get it. It wasn't coming out. I think that was the point I decided to loosen up; that was when it started coming. M.P.: Basically, you were trying to force it through? Michael: Exactly! Once I stopped doing it with my head, that's when it started happening. I let go. That is where I am at. Trying to develop some form of style. I am just going with it.
Some questions about the show.
M.P.: This is your first show. What did you think coming into it? Michael (laughing): I was a little apprehensive. I have never shown my work to anyone. Having seen the other artists who were going to be a part of the show; definitely a little apprehensive. They are all really good. M.P.: A little intimidating? Michael: Yeah. I am really glad I did it. It's a lot of fun!
M.P.: It's a good turnout tonight. I heard you getting some good feedback on your art so far. What do you think as far as the turnout and feedback you are getting? Michael (mildly shocked): I am amazed at the feedback. I didn't think much of the work. I just do it. It sits in a pile in a room. I do art because I need to do it. The feedback is fantastic. It's unexpected.
On that stroke, I am cutting part 1 a little short. The next question has nothing to do with Michael's background or the show. I always get curious what artists think about a certain area / genre. Like any other journalist / author, I have to keep you in suspense. Here is the answer in Part 2.
As always, thanks for checking out part 1 of my interview with Michael Hess. I hope you enjoy the entire interview!
Be safe in the night and always,
Michael Phoenix (founder / website / writer / photographer / etc.)
A Valley and Beyond
