Summary

In this lively episode of Soulstrong, Justin Fair sits down with the dynamic Michael Owen, a painter and muralist known for his new book of 75 works of art merged with a dozen chapters of prose, telling a depth within--called Extra Life. Michael is also known for Baltimore Love Project featuring "LOVE" spelled in ASL, his abstract street murals, and private commissions. The conversation begins with an exploration of Michael's transition from Baltimore to California, where he's discovering a new rhythm in his art amid the vast landscapes and unique artistic community. They discuss the differences between urban and natural inspirations, the value of integrating creativity into daily life, and how the artistic process often mirrors life itself—a constant evolution and rediscovery. Michael shares ****insights on capturing the feel of a moment rather than merely its visual representation, drawing from his experiences with private commissions, large outdoor murals, plein air painting, and his innovative use of mixed media. Justin and Michael also reflect on the tension between creating for oneself versus creating for an audience, emphasizing the importance of freedom and authenticity in art.

Michael shares ****insights on capturing the feel of a moment rather than merely its visual representation, drawing from his experiences with private commissions, large outdoor murals, plein air painting, and his innovative use of mixed media. Justin and Michael also reflect on the tension between creating for oneself versus creating for an audience, emphasizing the importance of freedom and authenticity in art. They delve into the nuances of revisiting older works, exploring how time adds layers of meaning and opportunities for growth. Boost your XP and get your EXTRA LIFE at http://instagram.com/extralifebook

WATCH at https://youtu.be/fm0AEueFvcQ

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https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/soulstrongwithjustinfair

https://youtu.be/fm0AEueFvcQ

Links

https://www.michaelowenart.com/

https://www.instagram.com/extralifebook/

https://www.instagram.com/michaelowenart

https://www.instagram.com/baltimoreloveproject/

Core Subjects of the Podcast

1. Transitioning as an Artist: Michael’s journey from Baltimore to California and the shift in his creative approach.
2. Urban vs. Natural Inspirations: Exploring the contrasts between city life and the natural environment as artistic stimuli.
3. Integrating Creativity into Daily Life: The importance of carrying tools like sketchbooks and how art becomes a lifestyle rather than just a practice.
4. Authenticity in Art: The balance between creating for oneself versus for an audience and embracing freedom in artistic expression.
5. Revisiting and Evolving Old Works: How time adds meaning and provides opportunities for reinvention in art.

Poignant Quotes

• Michael: "Revisiting old pieces is liberating. It’s about giving myself permission to evolve. Art doesn’t have to stay static."
• Justin: "Capturing the essence of a moment—whether through sketching, painting, or even writing—is what keeps me grounded as an artist."
• Michael: "The art community here is different—it’s more spread out, and I’ve had to adapt how I connect with people. But it’s exciting, especially engaging with older artists who have so much experience."
• Michael: "After years of creating art for clients, I wanted to make something that reflected my journey and voice. The book [Extra Life] combines paintings, sketches, and poetry—each piece telling part of the larger story of my life and creative process."

Paintings from Extra Life and Michael’s Portfolio

1. The Seduction of Power
   • Discussed in detail, highlighting its framed presentation (pages 25-26)
2. Loops and Levity
   • Mentioned as the beginning of Part Two in the book (pages 79-80 mark the transition).
3. Wisdom and Truth
   • Discussed alongside the thematic chapter on human experiences (page 25-26 in the book).
4. The Grandest Love and Fear
   • Another piece tied to the thematic exploration of emotions in the book (page 27-28 in the book).
5. Fear and Loathing in Miami https://www.michaelowenart.com/works/fear-loathing-in-miami/

Artworks Shared by Justin

1. Crucial Steps Series
   • A series of emotional and abstract works, one featuring jumping frogs and crickets, described as "vivid and dreamlike."
2. Catharsis Series
   • Highlighted for its movement and emotional intensity, with gradations and flowing compositions.
3. Fierce (Town Dance Boutique)
   • A tableau capturing a performer on stage with audience members in the background, used as an early exploration of composition and lighting.

Questions Asked

1. How do you and I overlap?
2. Since you moved to California, tell us a little bit about the arts out there and how it differs from your time here in Baltimore.
3. You said the other day that you visited a local artist’s studio. What was that like?
4. Where does the initial thought of your pieces come from? Do you start with mark-making first? Do you have an idea in mind? Can you tell me a bit about how you get started?
5. You went to the Erykah Badu concert recently. How do you capture an experience like that in a painting?
6. Let’s talk about revisiting older works. What’s that process like for you?
7. Can you tell the dear listener a little bit about the process of creating Extra Life?
8. There’s one part in the book where you have this triptych, The Seduction of Power. Can you speak a little bit about the process of breaking certain pieces out in the book.
9. Do you still have any first editions of Extra Life available for sale?
10. What has it meant to create an anthology like Extra Life? Not everyone has a book of their work.
11. How do you balance creating art for yourself versus creating for an audience?
12. What’s next for you? What does your next era of work look like?