Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Ohara.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
After a long career in the construction trade, I decided to college to enhance my education. I really had no clear area of study that I really wanted to pursue. I began taking art classes and my interest in the world of art began to grow rapidly. I experimented with printmaking, ceramics, sculpture. book art, and jewelry making but I most interested in painting and drawing. I was lucky, I had the time to go above and beyond and some of the most experienced professors to teach me the skills I would need along the way. It was by chance that a door opened for me and I was able to take advantage of that opportunity.
Please tell us about your art.
Taking inspiration from architecture and nature, my work focuses on geometric shapes. Some of my influences come from European cathedrals, Middle Eastern mosques, and fabric patterns. I use Prisma color pencils on Bristol paper and acrylic paint on canvas to create work that is very planned and deliberate. My process is tedious but the beauty in the complexity of these structures has a meditative quality for me. Mark making keeps my hands in constant motion, while at the same time allowing my imagination to roam free. I use this freedom to explore the endless possible color combinations, some of which occur unintentionally. While I am working on one piece, the design of the next one is being planned. I am creating a structure for the eyes to investigate, looking deeper into the work to find the less obvious details. the techniques I have learned in the construction trade are the same ones I now use to design and create these drawings and paintings. This work is a further exploration of the building process which has come naturally to me.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
I feel that an artist must do more than just produce good work. An artist must be able to market the work he or she produces. More than once I have been told “It is not about how good your work is but who you know”. Go to exhibitions, galleries and social gatherings. One should make the best of every opportunity to promote your work. I have found that small exhibitions at local businesses such as salons and wine tasting events are a great opportunity to mingle with people and tell them about your work. When I am finished with a piece and I am satisfied that I put my best possible effort into craftsmanship and promoting even if the work does not sell, I consider it a success.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I have a Facebook page with most of my work shown on it. I am currently working on setting up an Instagram page but have not finished yet. I do have a website that contains a portfolio, artist statement, and bio. I am moving to Tyler shortly and I am enrolled at UTTyler for the fall 2018 semester. I will be exploring the Tyler area for exhibition opportunities at local businesses that support emerging artists. My website is mike-ohara-fkyn.squarespace.com
Contact Info:
- Address: Michael OHara
911 University # 8
Huntsville Tx 77320 - Website: mike-ohara-fkyn.squarespace.com
- Phone: 832-560-4640
- Email: mike.ohara@sbcglobal.net
Image Credit:
Mike Ohara
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