Both eNewsletters have been helpful as idea stimulants related to the arts. In addition to introducing reader to new artists Edlund also has information, practical articles and advice for emerging and experienced artists building their careers. I discovered Michael Soltis through one of Edlund's interviews this week, and wanted to share his work here at Ennyman's Territory.
EN: How did you first come to take a serious interest in art?
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| The Cracks |
EN: What was your career path from student to full time artist?
MS: I have a bachelor's degree in communications and a Masters in Education. I spent my early working years at jobs in the business world in health care, marketing, and non-profit management until I quit to become an actor. Then after having kids I went back to work in the business world until (as I said) I quit my job again to pursue painting. So I don't have a traditonal path from art student to professional artist. I am self-taught and continue to learn through each piece.
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| Float |
MS: When I first started painting this question was so threatening to me. I hated to be compared to other artists and felt like if I wasn't completely original then there was something wrong. I must admit that I continue to struggle with this because I have a tenacious desire to be authentically my own. I can't point to any one artist who influences me but what I can say is that every artist, every structure, every poster, billboard, sign, postcard, every piece of visual work that I see influences me. How can it not. I've seen it, I've interacted with it so it's all in there. I never try to do what anyone else is doing, but I know that there is nothing completely original and that the ideas that come out on my canvas are built on the creativity of people that have come before me. And I'm thankful for their contribution to my work.
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| Direction |
MS: To be honest, I feel like there are so many artists living in Vancouver, so many great opportunities to engage with art, but it is a struggle to find support. We've had galleries close, major theatre houses close and many artists (in every creative field) struggle to get an audience for their work. I don't mean to be bleak because I am SO inspired by the many people who commit their lives to support the arts who live here. But I think because it is a somewhat transient population, it is very expensive to live here and there are many outdoor activities at our disposal in this beautiful part of the world… we have some barriers to overcome. I chose to open my art gallery in Palm Springs because there is a thriving arts community with a TON of support from the city, politicians and business leaders. It is a big vacation and second home destination and art enthusiasts from all around the world visit the area. It is a big focus in the desert and seems to be a priority for a large percentage of the population.
EN: Why is art important in our culture?
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| Panda |
EN: Where can people see more of your work?
MS: My work is available at the Ian Tan Gallery in Vancouver, Axis Contemporary Gallery in Calgary, through Swenson Fine Art in Laguna Beach, and at my gallery, Stark + Kent in Palm Springs. I also have a couple pieces at Julie Nestor Gallery in Park City. I work in my studio at home and also have a studio in Vancouver housed in a giant old amazing building of creativity with hundreds of other artists where people can visit me and see the current pieces I'm working on.
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| She Approves |
EdNote: Thank you, Michael, for sharing yourself and your work here.