Featured Artist Interview: Michael Bolton, Part 2

by AU(STL) Director, Brad Edwards

In preparation for our upcoming exhibition, the 2010 Winter Quarterly: Positive Obsession, I got the chance to interview local abstract painter, Michael Bolton.  Mike will be painting live at the Quarterly, and his unique paintings will be available for purchase at the end of the evening.  This is the second and last installment of his interview.  You can read the first one here. (Click on thumbnails for larger images)

How has the city of St. Louis contributed to your work?

Actually I have only been a “professional artist” here, so there have been some definite aspects of St. Louis that have shaped my perspective.  When I first started out, I depended on some very good local art groups.  I found that these groups offered an artist a chance to grow.  They were great for me to learn my way around the St. Louis art scene.  Basically learning about people and places that were into and/or dealing with art.

So, kind of like Art Underground, huh?  Sorry, I couldn’t help myself…

Just like you guys.  Networking is what we all need and groups like yours are tremendous help with that cause.  I like what you guys have planned.  It is young and urban and needed.

What are the biggest challenges you face as an artist? Are there any that are particularly unique to St. Louis?

I have my own challenges.  I don’t think it’s an issue of any challenges in the art community that I can’t solve.  My challenges are from my side of the brush, for example, putting the time in to branch out more.  I am the one that needs to sit down and do research spaces that would work well with my style of art.  Putting together a more professional portfolio is another challenge for me.  It all comes down to what I want to get out of my work.  I am still figuring that out.  If you asked me if I thought my work was great, I would enthusiastically answer that yeah, I do!  But I also believe that I have a lot to learn and execute before I approach certain art establishments.

I imagine that is a challenge for any artist who is primarily working in a field that is outside their artistic interest.  Would you summarize that in the category of general professional development and organization, or is that too broad?

Yeah, that sums it up.  My ADHD is also part of the challenge in getting prepared for bigger and better opportunities for exhibition.

What do you hope to accomplish with your work?  Is there a message, even if it is simply art for beauty’s sake that you are particularly passionate about?

People that know me and my work know that I do not necessarily have this deep art explanation for my work.  It is what it is! I simply want the viewer to get something out of it.

So, general aesthetic value?  Nothing wrong with that…

Not at all.  Abstract art can become very personal to the viewer in their own way.  The meaning can be completely different than what I intend, but overall it is usually one of enjoyment.  This part explains the purchase.  I just want the person who receives it to have a good response.  Take flowers, for example.  If something tragic or terrible happens in your life and someone is kind enough to send you flowers, at that brief moment when you open the door and see them you are simply overjoyed at the sight.  There is not necessarily a “deeper” meaning than that, and that is enough.  It is that feeling I want to capture with my art.  Am I there yet? Sometimes I am and sometimes I’m not, but that is what keeps me painting.

Mike, thanks for your time and your creative efforts. Where can we go to view more of your work and keep up with your events?

My website is www.mboltonart.com.  Though it needs some updating with my current work, it has all of my information where I can be contacted.