Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Chukes, artistically I use only my last name “Chukes”.
Michael, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
It has been more than 30 years since I walked away from my job at IBM to dedicate my life to art. Most everyone I knew thought I was crazy with the exception of my family and a few very close friends. To this day until the rest of my life, I will always be an artist!
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I believe the process of creating art is an emotion, so I create what and how I feel. I work mainly in clay however, I do not consider myself a ceramicist. I am a sculptor who works in clay. About 10 years ago I started painting in oil. I began using brushes but they never felt right. Now I use pallet knives because they feel more like my sculpture tools and I can relate to the canvas as if I am sculpting a painting rather than painting a painting. My artistic creations are my legacy. I want people to feel something meaningful when they view my work. My art is what I leave behind and how I will be remembered. I want people to know that I was not afraid to express my true feelings!
What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
I am never lonely! How can an artist be lonely when they have all that creativity inside their head to keep them compony? If you want to make it as an artist you must be seen. Take advantage of any opportunity to show your work and don’t be afraid to start from to bottom. I started inviting my friends to art shows I put on in my parents’ backyard more than 35 years ago and now I have works all around the world.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My art is in museums, major colleges and universities collections and private collections throughout the United States and abroad. I also teach classes, give lectures and artist talks to all ages. I am represented by two galleries at this time. Hearne Fine Art Gallery in Little Rock, Arkansas and Joyce Jordon Gallery in Oakland, California. You can also go to my gallery website, chukesart.com or my Facebook page and look up Michael Chukes.
Contact Info:
- Website: chukesart.com
- Phone: 626.676.2631
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: Michael Chukes
Image Credit:
Personal Photo taken by Salina Fountain.
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