Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Healey.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
My earliest memories involve the art of my Great Uncle, I used to love visiting his home as a kid while on family visits to my Grandmother in New York. His home was full or paintings, drawings and strange sculptures. We
I moved around growing up every 3 or 4 years but my mother’s artwork always hung on the walls. Art grounded
me throughout my childhood, so I always knew I would follow that path.
I formally studied art, specifically painting, at the University of Texas at Austin. After graduating in the late 80’s, I
moved to the Montrose area of Houston and set up my first studio. I was fortunate to show at several alternative galleries and music venues while scratching out a living as a waiter, substitute teacher, ice carver and whatever else I could get into. Like a lot of young artists in Houston I moved every time my neighborhood would gentrify, and I could no longer afford the rent. I skipped all over the inner city living in different studios and alternative spaces.
I was finally in a place where I had gallery representation for a span of a couple years until we decided to part ways. I knew I needed stability so at the age of 40 I became a high school art teacher with HISD, now 15 years later I still love my position as a teacher at YES Prep Public Schools in the Eastside of Houston.
My career as an artist and an art educator is now intertwined and I feel I have the best of both worlds. I am so fortunate to continue my studio work showing and selling art while sharing my skills with my students. Teaching art has brought me so much closer to the community and I have grown more as an individual artist then I can ever offer my students. They have truly given me more in return. I do not think of studio art and teaching as separate, I view it as a holistic approach to art. Along with my studio work, and classroom work I have been involved with many public art projects with my student artists, usually completing two or three a year. Most recently a large mural in the Near Northside on Quitman and Fulton and a Mini Mural on 75th and Canal St.
Please tell us about your art.
My studio painting can range from the semi abstract to formal figurative drawing. I usually work on several series at a time. Currently I am using Mickey Mouse iconography to represent the human form and American pop culture. These works take on a quality of either Surrealism or semi abstraction depending on the piece. Portraiture is also an interest as I am currently working on a series of artists and educators, I am close to.
Depending on the series, I hope people take away and interpret my work the way they feel the most connected. Some works are about social issues while others may be more poetic or abstract. I want to empower the viewer to draw their own conclusions.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
Being an artist can definitely be lonely however there is a large network of other artists, patrons and art lovers out there in the community. Stay connected and take risks, always be prepared to show your work because the opportunity will present itself. Support other artists, attend their shows and encourage your network to purchase independent, original art. Houston has a wonderful art scene filled with people from all concentrations. From studio work to street art, we have it all. Do not wait for an invitation just get out there and make yourself and your artwork available.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I am not currently represented by a single gallery but show at group exhibits or one man shows at a variety of spaces. I advertise on social media and maintain a website. The public work I do with my students is sprinkled throughout the Houston area primarily in the East End and Near Northside. I always welcome anyone interested to contact me and visit my studio by appointment. Please check out my website for a full listing and additional information.
Contact Info:
- Address: Michael Healey
- Website: www.Healeyart.com
- Phone: 832-421-6457
- Email: Healeyart1@gmail.com
- Instagram: @Healeyart
Image Credit:
Michael Healey
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