Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Michael’s mother is “Red Running into Water Clan,” born for “Deer Drinking Bitter Water Clan,” my mother’s mother is “Towering House Clan” and my father’s mother is the “Zuni People’s Clan.” Michael’s parents raised him in both the city and on the Navajo reservation where they would spend every summer and many holidays.
“In my artistic approach, I always begin with color. Other artists usually begin with a sketch, but I see color first. Cool pink salmon rocks, sunset burnt oranges, sun bleached Navajo faces offset by colorful blankets.”
“My eye got used to seeing city life & Navajo traditional life, which I believe is where my style of art emerged from, showing both.”
Michael’s hand drawn box designs elevate utilitarian objects into art bringing beauty into our daily lives. His bandanas, which are a collaboration with Hopi artist Jessica Wiarda, are hand-dyed with natural pigments (bark, onion skins, beets). Michael’s chalk art and murals are located at Takashi, Patagonia Outlet, and Coffee Garden in SLC.
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