How long have you been creating art?

Mike Bohatch: Well, professionally about 5 years. I have always, since a child been involved in artistic endeavors..... pretty much running the gamut. I was a professional musician songwriter for 25 years...then I switched focus to traditional and digital art..... I attended art school and art and design courses for many years and came to a basic realization that This stuff is really enjoyable as long as what I'm creating is interesting to me. I've always been a "horror" fan and have been inspired by the movies, the art, the genre...so I put 2 and 2 together and came into what it is now. These days I produce illustrations for CD's, music industry, film, books, publications and comics.....so it became the "gift that keeps on giving"

What interests you most in other peoples art?

Mike Bohatch: Well first off and most important, the concept, the idea, the perspective........ You can have great techniques with nothing to say but it is technique and ability that present the piece in a professional way. I look for what I call the 3 C's. They are concept, color and composition. . . all go hand in hand in the presentation of an art piece. Now on a subject level, I respect all artists and what they strive to achieve but my personal preference is art that shows some level of darkness, emotion, surrealities and presents itself in a non-mainstream way.... a bit of danger, a bit of disturbance, a bit of thought-provoking content.

What inspires and moves you to create?

Mike Bohatch: I gain inspiration from art, artists, movies, emotions, literature and of course appreciation. I get alot of emails from great people who say nice things and in turn motivate me to keep moving forward. . .I believe such is the case with alot of artists who are "out" there. It's nice to know there is an audience, it often helps maintain discipline in delivering work on a more frequent basis. Sometimes I read about how how certain artist create because they are depressed, troubled or damaged. . . and well, I think that beyond some sort of release, it cant really be too healthy. . . and cant be too productive.

What sort of emotions do you hope to evoke in those who view your art?

Mike Bohatch: Hopefully emotions that they can pull out and relate to on some level. Perhaps it reminds them of something present or past. . . or maybe it just appeals in a theatrical, fanastical sort of way. . . I rarely think I cross the lines of offensive or gross, but I like to disturb a bit, push the gamut and cross the lines of reality and fantasy. . . If you have no interest in horror, then you probably wouldnt find yourself visiting too often.

Where do you hope your art will lead you?

Mike Bohatch: Besides the satisfaction from the passion itself, I would hope to evolve, progress and work more in the film, television and comics industry. Film is the ultimate medium, so maybe they have room for another "horror" guy in their realm. . . until then I'm off to see the Wizard. . .