We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michael Howell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michael below.
Hi Michael, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
I think my optimism comes from the current landscape of the culture right now. I’m not sure if it’s just my skewed perspective, but everywhere I look I see art- or, at least something creative. From album covers, to graffiti murals around the neighborhood, or even the architectural designs of the buildings I see around Atlanta (not to mention all the amazing, successful artist I see on my timeline every day). It’s all inspiring for me. But ultimately, It’s proof that creatives not only partake in the economic ecosystem, but that we’re needed. That art is actually integrated into the very foundation of our everyday lives. And that’s what keeps me optimistic. That.. and compliments on my work lol.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Well, simply put- I’m a painter. I use life experiences as material source for my artwork. I started painting in 2017 after a really bad breakup. Now, all my life I was able to draw but was never really any good at painting. But after that breakup I decided to try. I think I was attempting to focus on literally anything besides the pain I was feeling. I looked at a few YouTube videos to get started then took off from there. Something eventually clicked and before I knew it, people were asking to purchase my work (which, at the time, I thought was insane lol) To this day, the most exciting feeling is when people relate to my work. The work itself is cathartic for me, but when others relate and are emotionally connected to a piece, I can’t help but feel like I’m doing my part in my little section of the world.
I have a piece in the Trap Music Museum, and was recently apart of the 17th anniversary of the City of Ink art crawl. I’m working on a few new pieces for the upcoming Marvelous Black Boy Art Show at the end of April and am also working on a Juneteenth collab with VISA this summer to celebrate an amazing holiday with some greta people. I’m excited for the work to come!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Well the first skill for me was being open (to change). It took a personal trauma for me to explore painting and it literally changed my life. Having an open mindset allows you the flexibility to learn as you grow (which was super helpful for me). The next important skill I would say is curiosity. Staying curious has allowed me to gain so much knowledge in such a short amount of time. I spend so much time diving into the work of so many artist, and their different techniques and approaches. With every artist I studied, I learned, and grew, and am thus able to funnel that knowledge into my work. And lastly, Be fearless. I wasted a large portion of my life being scared to attempt anything. Fear of failure can be (and sometimes still is) a crippling emotion. It felt like as soon as I pushed past my fears, the opportunities started to open up for me. Everything, for me, seems to be on the other side of fear. I find myself looking for it now. It’s now a sort of compass for me. I’m wired to chase success through fear now. That has been monumental for me and my growth.
The advice I’d give to anyone starting out is to make bad art. It’s going to look terrible before it starts to look great. You have to explore creatively. Find out your likes and dislikes. But more importantly, find out why. The sooner you fight through this process the sooner you find out who you are creatively. Aside from that, lock in and the work will speak for itself.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My girlfriend has an amazing eye for art, and I value her critiques and opinions. She’s helped me on so many levels. creatively, emotionally, etc. I’ve watched her work so hard in her respective field that I have no choice but to keep trying. Her work ethic pushes me, that and the amazing food she cooks lol. But seriously, She’s great. Without her I’d probably stay in my own thoughts (which can be brutal) and never release any work. And all though she can be stubborn at times, she really helps me get out of my own way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Michaelhowellart.com
- Instagram: @Michael_howellart
