An Inspired Chat with Michael Smith of The suburbs

Michael Smith shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Michael, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Life gets hectic and stressful so, spending time in my studio wrapped up in a piece of artwork gives me a temporary escape from that. My wifes patience with my process helps me stay sain. I can lose track of time and space for hours, painting and my brain calms to a dull roar. It levels me out.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Mike Smith is my name and MungoArt is me. MungoArt is color and chaos, its everything in my head spilled out over a canvas. I would do what i do even if no one cared but ive been fortunate people like what i do. I love my portraits the most because i feel people can see something of themselves when they see an expression or emotion looking back at them

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
There have been a lot of positive influences in my life as far as relationships. My wife has done more for me than anyone in terms of my artistic direction and where i see myself headed. Her support and help in navigating the buisness side of what i do as well as inspiring me to be the best version of myself, has been invaluable to me.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Other than family, i wasnt born with much and didnt grow up with much. Life showed me early on that no one was going to hand me anything, i would have to work for whatever it was i wanted. I certainly havnt done everything right by a long shot. My failures and mistakes showed me what not to do and helped me appreciate what ive been able to accomplish

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes i believe in honestly and intellectual truth. I believe that if im honest with people about who i am and what i believe in, they will respect me even if they disagree with me. If someone doesnt like the real me, thats their problem, not mine

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will tell their own story about a piece of my artwork. Art can pull emotions out of people and make them feel things like no other visual can. It can tell a story of something significant or memorable in their lives, it can show off a lost loved one or pet, it can tell the audience whats in your heart in a beautiful way. Art is a beautiful window to the soul.

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