Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michael Lotenero. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Michael, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I went to school for graphic design, because I thought that would be the best way to earn a living in the visual arts. I wanted to be a full time fine artist right out of the gate, but I just couldn’t see how to make that happen. I had freelanced my last few semesters to help pay for school and everything else, and then just kept going. I started a small 3 person design shop called 96 Eyes Design with two other friends and classmates. All the while I also had a paralell career painting and exhibiting my work. I also worked on and off for a few different firms over the years to help make ends meet as well. After about 20 years of doing it that way, the painting just started to take over. I was able to get into my own studio/exhibition space and the design work just phased out. I don’t think I would have done it any differently. My design work always informed my fine art work and it still does. There are so many other things I learned from working with clients and people in marketing that really helped me understand how to get my fine art to the next level, but in a way that didnt compromise the work or what I wanted to say.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a painter and sculptor working out of my studio in Pittsburgh, Pa. I always wanted a studio that was accessible to the general public. Im not super extroverted when it comes to my work so I thought it would be good to sort of expose that fear a bit and force the random interaction with the general public. As artists, I feel like in most cases, we like our privacy to create. It a very solitary act. Which I prefer. But there is another aspect where we need to show our work and tell people about it. Most days I just try to get myself to the studio, not an easy task if you’re not motivated by an upcoming show, a commission or a new idea. I think its important to just spend that time in there. Whether you’re working or just organizing materials, thinking of new pieces or whatever. Then there is definitely the importance of down time. I like to travel or cook or just do things that get me away from the work. Things that give you a new perspective. You have to refill the bucket. My process is pretty organic. I try not to really set out with too many preconceived ideas of where I’m headed with a piece. That always seems to lead to disappointment for me. I like to just get going. Let a piece sit for a few days, weeks or months. Then jump back in and keep adding. Some pieces take a few hours and some take a few months to evolve. I’ve gotten better at being ok with that. Some days in the studio are terrible where it seems like nothing is working. I’ve learned to just let it go. Go home. Disconnect and come back with a fresh perspective and things seem to fall back into place. You can be your worst critic when it comes to your own work. I like to let them go. I work on multiples at a time so I can bounce around without getting too hung up on one thing. Thats really helpful for me.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is doing the work. There are of course huge milestones, like selling your first piece or breaking a barrier on a price point, certain gallery shows and lots of external things that can make you feel good about your work. But for me it always comes back to time in the studio, when no ones around and you are just doing the work you love.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I think the most rewarding aspect is being able to make my own day. There are always days that are driven by outside forces of just surviving or taking care of the endless minutiae of everyones life. But just knowing that I’m committed to this life of being a creative person, that gets me out of bed.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.lotenero.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaellotenero/

Image Credits
Photography by: Sarah P Thomas Photography https://www.sarahpthomasphotography.com/