Bite
Me Magazine Interview - (6/2002)
(Originally published in "Bite Me Magazine")
Introduction: Mike has but one desire. To contribute to the fantastical and realization
of dark imagery in the published genre's of horror and the surreal. A
professional dark art illustrator for many years, Mike's award-winning
work can be found in numerous publications and CD packages both nationally
and internationally. His online site contains an extensive gallery of
works using the multiple mediums of mixed media and digital compositing.
He has been featured in numerous publications and has provided his style
of imagery to the fields of film, book covers, comics, CD packages, magazine
illustrations, advertising and web design. He credits his ideas from the
combination of an over-active imagination, a desire to be pro-active and
a general belief in the "Amazing" and magical unknown. Mike resides in
Colorado.
- Where
do I see the genre of horror headed?
I think it's beginning to take a turn into something different.Some
of the aspects of the new-wave of horror combines realism, surrealities
and artistic sensibility. I believe though there is room to grow on
that concept.It is due time to bring some magic back into the world
whether it be from a positive place or coveted in darkness, I happen
to prefer the shadow perspective. I believe there is much more a desire
today to "show you sites you've never seen before" and from that idea
comes an increased interest to create fantastical themes, elements and
interpretations of human nature.I think film-makers, artists and writers
are starting to really take more chances and go for that gut instinct.
Hopefully those feelings will translate into something special.
- What
inspires you?
If you look at the large number of past and present collage artists,
you'll see alot of things that were done traditionally in bizarre ways,
alot that replicate what is being done on the computer. I get my inspiration
form these traditionalists for that fact alone. I'm always amazed to
see different uses of digital that leave much room for wonder as well.
So there is much, much available on all mediums for inspiration. A simple
walk through an art gallery can accomplish that. I can get easily inspired
by seeing a great horror flik or a well produced thriller. It's like
the ideas just roll off the top of the head and the energy you felt
from being entertained for the last 90 minutes just transfers over.
An exciting documentary or well constructed TV show has that effect
as well. I feel as well that a great piece of music always sets the
perfect mood for construction.There are a few known artists that I feel
can do no wrong.If I were to name some favorites of mine as artists
I would have to list Dave Mckean, Miran Kim, Russell Mills, J.K. Potter,
Robert Rauschenberg and Marshall Arisman. They all have evolved in their
works and continue to reach levels of innovation. If I'm successful
with originality it is merely just a result of my passion for the work.
- Can
you describe your working process?
I believe in fully taking advantage of the multi-faceted world of mixed
media. I find satisfaction in a parlay between the strengths of the
traditional art work and the digital environments.Really I don't believe
in working haphazardly, Everything I do is preconceived, sketched, planned
out and built to a specific concept or purpose. Currently I have enough
back-log of ideas put to journal that could keep me producing for the
next 20 years. My creations are really a result of 3 things, An artistic
background, and overactive imagination and a passion to stay proactive
to making a contribution to the art and horror genre. I love the process
and building of illustrative work, but I believe film and television
to be the ultimate medium and greatest means to extending one's work.
|