me to create a specific painting or piece of artwork.
Given the possibility for multiple interpretations, how can one define what inspired the artist to create a work of art?
About
The Artist
The Art
of
Michael
Sebastian
Michael
grew up in, South Africa, went on to London, England where he completed his
studies in electrical engineering while serving in the Royal Air Force. His
career as an electronic aerospace engineer took him to work assignments in the
Middle East, Europe and England.
In 1975 he immigrated to America and joined a major aerospace company in Los
Angeles. Over the next thirty two years he established himself and his family in
San Pedro, California.
His introduction to art came at an early age of six, when he gained recognition
for his art in water colors, sketching and wood carving.
Michael is basically a self taught artist and known for his Abstract Art
Style. Being a pragmatist he realized that his art had to take second place
until the family grew up and time was available to concentrate on art. Over the
years however he attended many art classes and workshops and participated in art
shows. During this period he has honed his skills in painting on glass and
fabric, sand-carving glass, gold leaf-glass gilding, engraving and glass
blowing.
His art can be seen South Bay homes and establishments in Los Angeles, and
Southern California and sold world wide. Having retired from Aerospace, Michael
is a uniquely inspired, San Pedro Artist, he began his
Abstract
Signature Artwork around
1996. Utilizing an acrylic based medium, mixed with finely ground minerals,
metals, and pigments, gave him the paint he needed to create his unique and
beautiful paintings on canvas and board.
Michael is a multi-faceted artist working with many mediums, including ceramics,
wood, metal , glass and his latest additional interest is
creating
personalized video
presentations with added motion, transition
effects, and synchronized music. His modern abstract paintings are beautiful and
sold nationally and worldwide.
Artist Statement
" Welcome to
your Imagination ! "
The
intent of my Abstract
Paintings are to encourage
viewers, to extend their imaginations and experience the beauty and grandeur of
nature in abstract form. My work is inspired by Natures dynamic energy,
color, rhythm, form and flow in the world and universe we live in.
Imagine rivers of gems running through seas of opals and pearls, lakes of
aquamarine bubbling with gold and silver, while reds and amethyst emblaze our
sky and clouds. Envision, galaxies with stars of mica bonded with titanium
oxides brightening skies of Aurora Borealis. Dream of copper mountains,
coral canyons, lava flows, beautiful orchids and forests of emeralds.
To be able to view the beauty of nature through this inner lens is what inspires
my art.
So view my art, walk with me, and let your imagination be immersed in my
artistic vision
oooOooo
Understanding
Abstract Art
I wrote
the following article in response to questions viewers had as to what inspired
me to create a specific painting or piece of artwork.
Given the possibility
for multiple interpretations, how can one define what inspired the artist to
create a work of art?
Abstract
Art has many interpretations. This is true when viewed by a person who has a
rich diverse background that covers a multitude of life experiences, culture and
awareness of the dynamic flow of life around us.
Concerning
the question of “What is this painting about?” do I, as
an artist have an obligation to explain to the viewer just what I was creating?
I create what I visualize. My thoughts and physical emotions culminate in what I
call my abstract art.
My feelings and mood at the time I am painting and my inner spontaneous
reactions are projected on canvas using the type of media, color and textures to
create in my art. These emotions are constantly in flux and change.
My
painting entitled
“Metallica” which is displayed above has been exhibited at
various art shows. My inspiration for creating this painting was the beauty and
energy I saw looking down upon a hot, bubbling mass of molten metal that was
cooling as the furnace door opened.
When
the painting was exhibited, several people came to tell me how much they liked
the painting. One friend told me she liked the painting because it captured the
light rays shining through a thick forest of trees. Another told me he could
clearly see a beautiful stormy sun set.
So,
what was this painting “about”?
Was it my impression of molten metal? Of course! Was it about the sunrays
and shadows of the forest? (It was, for Susan.) Or, was it a beautiful stormy
sunset? (It was, for Jim.)
Abstract
art is like a mirror. It often reflects our memories and interpretations of what
we see on the canvas. People often describe what they see as abstract work of
art as if their interpretation is the only valid one. But what, cannot be
described by others is what “you” will see in it yourself. Some
people, reading titles or explanations of the paintings at art shows or on my
website, may be disappointed that I didn’t include what they believe
they see in my artwork. I can only say that it is their interpretation and their
imagination.
Michael
Sebastian, fine artist