We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michael Janis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Michael, thrilled to have you on the platform as I think our readers can really benefit from your insights and experiences. In particular, we’d love to hear about how you think about burnout, avoiding or overcoming burnout, etc.
In the face of burnout, I navigate through the overwhelming exhaustion by drawing on the principles instilled in me during my architectural training at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). The architectural philosophy of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, a renowned German architect and former director of the Bauhaus, greatly influences my approach. Mies, having fled Nazi opposition to modernism, brought a disciplined design process to IIT that emphasized rational problem-solving.
In my architectural practice, I learned that design often involves meticulous and repetitive tasks, such as detailing stairs or drafting floor plans, which may not be glamorous but are crucial. I adopted a mindset of perseverance through the basics, steadily progressing until I felt a sense of forward momentum.
My expertise in working with glass, my primary artistic medium, further reinforces my ability to overcome burnout. Creating glass sculptures demands intense concentration, especially during the meticulous process of moving finely crushed glass dust to form imagery. The methodical nature of this work mirrors the definition of painstaking and tedious labor.
By applying the discipline ingrained in me from my architectural background, I tackle artistic challenges in sections, persisting until I sense the evolution of a piece with a clear narrative. This process often rekindles my enthusiasm and excitement for my art, helping me rediscover my creative mojo. Through these experiences, I’ve found that the structured and rigorous foundation laid by my architectural training serves as a resilient source of strength during challenging times, guiding me back to a place of inspiration and motivation.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am one of three Co-Directors of the Washington Glass School. While some glass artists continue to reflect the deep history of glass with traditional techniques, I chose to define my practice as contemporary art rather than craft production. The imagery in my artwork doesn’t derive from painting or photography; instead, it is created through the manipulation of crushed glass powder. Using a scalpel blade, I carefully move the glass dust across flat glass to shape my figures. Delicate tools are employed to manipulate the glass powder until the almost pointillist imagery takes form. The glass sheets are then fused together, resulting in an intricate, layered panel.
My artwork compositions often showcase figures and portraits that are intentionally partially obscured, prompting viewers to contemplate how one defines identity. Social, political, and introspective psychological dramas unfold within the layers of glass, revealing more about myself in the process of creation.
My success in this art form has garnered recognition, including a Fulbright Scholarship to the University of Sunderland in the UK based on my work. I was honored with Washington, DC’s 31st Mayors Arts Award, and the Lowe Art Museum in Miami has designated me its 2024 Distinguished Artist. Additionally, I am set to lecture and collaborate with the University of Miami’s glass program in March.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Be authentic. In the realm of arts, achieving success often correlates with selling one’s work. While I don’t take issue with the idea of creating art that resonates with a market, personally, I find that my true artistic expression is tied to creating work that holds personal meaning. When I attempt to align my creations with the current trends, it often appears forced or, at times, even worse.
Many newcomers in the arts scene are eager to follow the prevailing trends, attempting to locate the metaphorical marching band and hastily catch up. My advice to an emerging artist would be to prioritize telling the story you genuinely want to convey. If you find success, that’s fantastic! If not, it won’t be because you compromised your authenticity.
Is there a particular challenge you are facing
The nature of the art world has been in constant change throughout history, marked by evolution, innovation, and adaptation to societal changes. In recent times, however, the pace of transformation has accelerated, and the very essence of the art world seems to be undergoing a profound metamorphosis.
The advent of the internet has ushered in a paradigm shift in how galleries and artists connect with collectors and enthusiasts. Traditional brick-and-mortar galleries, while still essential, now fight with a digital landscape that allows for global reach and accessibility. Online platforms have democratized the art market, enabling emerging artists to showcase their work to a vast audience and providing collectors with unprecedented access to a diverse array of artistic expressions. Simultaneously, this digital shift has raised questions about the real, physical experience of art and the role of traditional gallery spaces.
The global pandemic has further changed the art world, particularly in the realm of art fairs. These once showcase events, where artists, galleries, and collectors converged, have had to adapt to the challenges of social distancing and travel restrictions. Virtual art fairs and online exhibitions have become increasingly prevalent, transforming the way art is exhibited, experienced, and traded. The physical and social interactions that characterized traditional art fairs are now being replaced, to some extent, by virtual engagements, challenging the established norms of how art is traditionally presented and appreciated.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a revolutionary force in the visual arts. AI algorithms can generate original artworks, blurring the lines between human and machine creativity.
Amid these transformations, the art world faces a continuous onslaught of challenges. Each day seems to bring new questions regarding the traditional models, the ethical implications of technological interventions, and how environmentally sustainable design is achievable. The need for adaptability and flexibility is important, as the art world navigates this crazy terrain.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://michaeljanis.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael_janis/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.janis
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-janis-54775a15/
- Other: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Janis
Image Credits
Pete Duvall
