Meet Michael Dee

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michael Dee. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michael below.

Hi Michael, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

My focus on the animals and vegetation of Southern California happened organically. When I moved from the more industrial areas around downtown to the foothills I formed a strong connection with nature which I hadn’t had in many years. It was so refreshing to have the ability to leave my house and be on the Sunny Side hiking trail three doors down. I remembered how early on my grandfather and I were fascinated by deer, pheasants, foxes, and insects, He mostly did animal carvings and dabbled in painting from time to time. We spent a lot of time making art in his wood shop and sharing books that inspired us.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m doing grant projects nowadays in the hope that my three dimensional work will function as public sculpture . The recent activities involve creating non native birds out of bronze and placing them outdoors or in installations to generate a dialogue about climate change. Magellanic Penguins and Arctic Owls are not common in Los Angeles and usually inspire questions and smiles. I use silver oxide on the bronze casts to reference nineteenth century photographic processes. The photo-based work has been a study of how the environment and plants and animals have reacted to events such as the drought, wildfires, flooding, and the pandemic. Eventually, I’d like to put together a small book with notes and photos to share my thoughts and observations on animal behavior and environmental change.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The mentorship of Skip Arnold, Glen Seator, and Marnie Weber has been been invaluable. As a shy person I never would have had the confidence to do more complex works without observing and participating in their projects. Their commitment to primary research, hands-on involvement, open dialogues, and organic team building created a group which could accomplish just about anything. They taught me to not be afraid to explore new ideas and materials. I try create the same energetic and positive atmosphere around my projects today.

For the people starting out:

Get out of your studio sometimes, play some music, volunteer somewhere, drive to the desert, foster a cat/dog, organize a show, go to a library, interview somebody unknown, attend a film festival, and keep a journal in some way whether audio files, slapdash sketches, or quick notes. You have more time and energy than you can possibly imagine.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

Rant: The Oral Biography of Buster Casey

Palahniuk writes of social class, liminal spaces, time travel, romanticized rabies, and the daytimers/night timers. This book inspired my research into the history of Halloween, the beauty of inverted stars, the dominance of the Great Blue Heron, the how and why of Elvis Presley’s Rubbernecking, and the allure of rural spaces outside of the big cities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mikedeelosangeles.com
• Instagram: michaelpatrickdee
• Facebook: Michael Dee
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-dee-a8437449/
• Twitter: @escuela_mp

Image Credits

Environmental Portrait: De Ivett 5dspectrum.com

All other photos: Michael Dee