Meet Michael Peterson

 

We recently connected with Michael Peterson and have shared our conversation below.

Michael, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

It’s my pulse. For me, creativity isn’t something I have to force. It’s more about staying open to it and letting it come to me when it’s ready. I don’t wake up thinking I need to be creative that day. Instead, I let creativity seek me out. I love not having a rigid plan for my work. I find joy in not knowing the outcome when I start. It’s the creative process itself that grabs me, guides me, and lets me know when the work is complete.
I’ve realized that not knowing where the process will take me often leads to the best discoveries. My work almost builds itself—it’s like I’m simply along for the ride.
Another thing that sparks my creativity is the unexpected. When I’m browsing through thrift stores, I’m often struck by random items that speak to me. They may seem mundane or ordinary, but to me, they hold endless possibilities. “Found objects find me” is a personal mantra that I have embraced since the 1970s. It continues to be a guiding force in my creative process.

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

My Story
I’m just an old fart. I spend a lot of time reflecting on the past, especially the 1960s, when I was a kid in grade school. I saw a lot of hate back then—people just trying to be treated equally but being denied at every turn. It’s something I’ll never forget, and it drives me to keep fighting against repeating those same mistakes. My story isn’t about wanting much or needing much. Taking doesn’t mean anything to me—giving does.

I might be 68, but I’m an old-timer on the outside and a young buck inside. The past guides me, but it’s the future I’m focused on. I work in a warehouse, moving boxes. Been doing it for 23 years now. It’s not glamorous, but it pays the bills and keeps a roof over my head. And yeah, I’ve been known to “borrow” a few discarded cardboard boxes and packing materials from time to time. They just seem to follow me home, and before I know it, they’re part of a new art piece.

I’m also a low-income veteran, and I get a few benefits to help me get by. But honestly, I’ve got everything I need. There’s nothing special about my day job—it’s just there to help me live my life, which is the real addiction I’ve got going. Life itself.
When I’m not moving boxes, my mind’s always buzzing, looking for the next thing I can create. I’ve spent decades taking “trash” and turning it into art. Forgotten objects, things people throw away—those are my materials. I find beauty in the discarded. One person’s junk is another person’s masterpiece. And to me, that’s what’s exciting—turning what others see as nothing into something new, something meaningful.

I’m excited to share some things coming up for me as an artist. This summer, I’ll be exhibiting for the second time at the Chippewa Valley Art Fair and Jazz Fest at the Brewing Projekt, an event that happens every August. I’ll also be showing at the Eau Claire L.E. Phillips Library in the exhibition “It’s All Symbolism”, from June 9 through August 26. On top of that, I’ll be published in ArtFly’s yearly Zine, and I’m in the running for the cover of Volume One, our local cultural magazine. It’s been a long, sometimes tough road, but I’m grateful to be able to share my work with the world and keep pushing forward.

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?

Looking back, the three qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that have been most impactful in my journey are:

Empathy and Perspective
One of the most important things I’ve learned is to see things from other people’s point of view. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking your way is the only way, but life doesn’t work like that. Two things can be true at the same time, and recognizing that has been key for me. Also, I’ve always believed in giving instead of taking—helping those who have less just because it’s the right thing to do, without expecting anything in return. It’s not about what you get; it’s about doing what you can to make things better for someone else.

Creativity and Patience
I have this knack for seeing possibilities that others might miss. It’s not just about looking; it’s about truly seeing. I’ve learned to let creativity come to me rather than forcing it. Sometimes that means being patient, having an open mind, and just letting things unfold. I’ve gotten comfortable with the feeling of “what could be” rather than focusing on what’s not there yet. Sometimes the best ideas take their time, and that’s okay.

Embracing Failure and the “What-Ifs”
Another thing I’ve figured out is that failure isn’t something to be afraid of. In fact, failure has been one of my greatest teachers. You learn a hell of a lot from what doesn’t work, and I’ve learned to enjoy the “what-if” moments—the times when something goes wrong, but you’re left with a lesson or a new direction to take. The failures don’t stop me; they push me forward. It’s all part of the journey.

Advice for Those Early in Their Journey
If I could give advice to someone just starting out, it would be this: Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure’s part of the process, and it’ll teach you more than you think. Be patient with yourself. Give yourself the space to grow, and don’t get caught up in the pressure of having it all figured out. Keep an open mind and keep giving, without expecting anything in return. And most of all, stay connected to people, because understanding and helping others is what keeps it all grounded.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

I want to be upfront about the challenge I’m facing, not just as an artist but as a person in this world right now. My art doesn’t exist in some isolated bubble—it’s shaped by everything around me. And right now, the political climate is impossible to ignore.

The current president? To me, he’s an orange-faced con-man, a clown, a crook, and a CEO of hate. He doesn’t represent what America is supposed to stand for, and he sure doesn’t reflect the views of most Americans. I could tell you that making art helps me escape from all the chaos, but I’d be lying. The truth is, it doesn’t. Knowing that the values I believe in—giving, caring, and treating others with respect—are being ripped apart and forgotten by so many is heartbreaking.

What’s even more frightening is seeing how many people have fallen for it. Brainwashed into serving cult-like leaders who spread hate on a national scale. It’s terrifying to watch citizens of this country choose hate over love, division over unity.
I keep hoping, praying, wishing that we could be better than this. That we could remember the core values of equality and justice. I’ve lived through my fair share of turmoil—seeing the struggles for civil rights, women’s rights, and the horrors of war. I thought we had made progress. But now, seeing it all rear its ugly head again—it’s disheartening, to say the least.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photographer for all photos: CV Peterson

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
Is the public version of you the real you?

We all think we’re being real—whether in public or in private—but the deeper challenge is

Highlighter Series
Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?

We asked some of the most interesting entrepreneurs and creatives to open up about recent

Highlighter Series
What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?

We think this is an essential question because so often there is a disconnect between