Missing Image

Michael Larson

slioch's picture
Neighborhood: Mission
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As an artist, I believe we can embrace the world around us by accepting our flawed understanding of it. This philosophy guides my approach to painting, as I aim to foster more honest and authentic creative expression by embracing imperfection. Growing up with a blind parent taught me that our perceptions are subjective and incomplete. This understanding was reinforced during my time as an engineer when I learned that scientific, technical, and mathematical representations are also merely models that approximate reality.

My approach integrates the unique characteristics of each tool and material I choose. By painting on textured and imperfect surfaces, such as wood, I emphasize the materiality of my work. Using techniques like carving into clay board substrates with an X-Acto knife, I highlight the physicality of my painting process. This reflects my belief that all images and thoughts are constrained by the processes and materials used.

My painting process involves not wholly trusting the mind but tapping into my intuitive experience. As I paint, I engage with the emerging image, allowing it to evolve and diverge from my initial concept, leading to unexpected discoveries. Lines play a crucial role in defining shapes and symbols, as well as in introducing imperfections, with strokes that seem straight from a distance but reveal subtle irregularities upon closer inspection. My palette frequently includes greens, yellows, powder blues, browns, and whites, with chromium oxide green being a favorite for its earthy quality. My painting process is not a linear path but a continuous feedback loop, that allows the painting to evolve and improve over time, in order to express my inner world.

I recognize that each viewer's perception of my work is unique. While we may often agree on certain truths, the variations in how my work is perceived can astonish me. Therefore, I encourage viewers to discover their own personal meanings within my work. I encourage divergent interpretations in order to foster deeper connections and enhance resonance.