Meet Mikel Elam

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mikel Elam a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mikel, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?

I have several daily practices which has had a great impact on my life . Especially the last 10 years .
It begins with a twice a day meditation practice . First thing in the morning and again by late afternoon.
I write in my gratitude journal soon after my morning meditation. I recognize that life isn’t perfect. It will always surprise us with it fragile nature . Yet there is great beauty and strength in the natural world .
Nutrition is my next best tool . I live on a plant based regimen x Mostly fresh vegetables with some fruits , legumes, and starches.
I have a daily exercise routine . A variation of walking, yoga, tai chi and fitness equipment.
Finally my art practice which is ultimately how I define myself .
Art has been my constant companion throughout my entire life .

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?

I have always lived a creative life . It began at a young age watching my father draw. Unfortunately my father passed when I was eight . It was a traumatic time . In trying to sort it out ; I dived deeply into visual matter. Art was the outlet . Eventually creative writing and photography were included in my repertoire.
My family did not have much money . My mother was courageous. Somehow I never felt poor. I would escape into my inner world of visuals, words and sounds.
After attending art school and moving to New York City ; I began freelancing as a production assistant mostly for films and photography.
This lead me to a dream job of working as a personal assistant to jazz great Miles Davis .
For the next 5 years I would travel with him globally.
This job actually brought me back to my love of painting and drawing. Miles was actively painting and drawing on a daily basis . All while playing music to thousands of fans nightly. It made me realize we have to continue our journey even if there are detours .
After Miles’s passing in 1991 ; I began to seriously dive into my art . I recognized that the business of art is a separate vehicle. Making art and selling art requires a different thought process . I continued to make art even as I took other jobs to support myself . I also worked as an editorial illustrator. It was quite successful until digital art replaced the organic ways of conveying ideas .
I help to raise a daughter; look after a mother with declining health and of course life’s other demands.
I began to get into better shows with my paintings. Eventually I found a new audience and a new more powerful voice .
All became better as I made works that told my story .
Today I am deeply grateful for all of the wonderful opportunities which are offered to me . My work can now be seen on book covers, album covers and packages as well as being shown in art galleries and museums.
I always say never give up . Tomorrow could be the day of reckoning.

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

Art History
Music History
Film History
World Culture
Take all of this and learn critical techniques to begin your journey.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impact my parents gave me was simple . They showed me love . They made me feel important. I was always included in the conversation. Once I moved away to start a life as an adult ; I always knew if all else failed I could return to open home to open arms .

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mikel-elam.format.com
• Instagram: Mikelartist
• Facebook: Mikel Elam
• Linkedin: Mikel Elam