Michael L. Wilson

Michael’s ontology as an artist began in Salt Lake City where he filled notebooks with organic and abstract ink drawings with a keen understanding of spatial precision.

Having adopted his father’s sketching style and pens used to author HVAC systems, along with the spiritual encouragement of his grandmother, Zelda Stone, Michael was able to explore and expand his identity and imagination.

Turned from the pages of his unique collection of science fiction, still underfoot, sculpted prophets arose before him as another mode of expression, these multifaceted shadows, cloaked boulders, and mystic pawns share a complex mathematical terrain with a strong catalyst present; one of atonement through the grey matter of annihilation which is threaded throughout his body of works.

Michael gathered impetus as a painter after showing the owner of a busy lunchtime spot in Washington, D.C. variations of these ideas. He was then commissioned with full confidence to paint a 350sq. ft. mural for the interior of the Lost Dog Café and Deli which continues to propel questions and absorb responses years later.

At the murals epicenter, between the menu and the beer and wine case, a vibrant, undulating sun spreads a rolling stratum of earth-laden landscape out into a geometric vortex up towards the ceiling. Incorporating and complementing the physical components of the space a humorous approach is recognized, especially in the anatomical perfection and scale of the gigantic bones of the lost dog caught in between three dimensional arrows. Overall, the space is rendered by an obscure and gentle mystical and scientific wandering.

The intricate details of the mural were beautifully documented by the further ambition of Michael as a photographer. He assisted at a photography shop and gained an impressive collection of slides of his “miniature landscapes” and studies of “motion in stillness” of the female form.

Continuing his pursuit of knowledge through his discovery of mentors, shamans, lovers, philosophical thinkers, and religious believers while applying his technical affinity for lighting, shadows, spatial mechanics, and archetype, Michael’s paintings are ever evolving from the “tertiary to the quaternary,” to reconcile with our organic world for a self-realized future.

Currently, Michael lives, paints, and rigs in an old shop in North Portland, OR. He has been invited to exhibit his work at intermittent local events and spaces, such as Sub-Electric (D.C.) Obsidian, the Jupiter Hotel, Gallery 500, and Space Ambulance.