We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michael Afsa a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Michael, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I’ve learned mostly through experimentation and practice, plus some of my formal education and work experience. In college I studied graphic design, which is very different than the sculpture work I do now, but I do apply many of the principles and ideas from that education. That’s been an important foundation. Being skillful with tools and techniques, though, is something I learned by continually creating and trying new things. I also learned some valuable lessons about being an artist by apprenticing with a more experienced artist. That was great insight into the practical issues of working as an artist. I believe I could have sped up my learning process by apprenticing earlier on, and making more connections with experienced artists and curators earlier as well. I think an obstacle for me at the beginning was feeling timid, which caused me to delay seeking mentorship and connections.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?
Originally from Southern California, I currently live and work in Phoenix, AZ as an artist and designer. I create sculpture and graphic works inspired by the architecture and landscape of the American Southwest. I studied graphic design in college, and then several years later began to experiment with sculpture, which is now my primary creative work. I was attracted to sculpture because I enjoy working with my hands, and the experience of viewing and creating objects. I use common construction materials such as plywood, wall textures, and latex paint to create this work. I see my work as an embodiment of some of my values—simplicity, craftsmanship, modesty, spirituality, playfulness—and it’s my hope that viewers can connect with it in that way. My process often starts with challenges to myself like, “how can I take a subject as common as the sunset and represent it in a unique way?” or “how can I use an outdated stucco texture and make it beautiful?” I believe it’s in the unexpected where real poetry can happen.
What do you find most rewarding about being creative?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist is the process of imagining and then producing a work of art. To bring it from a sketch or concept to physical object, is a great feeling. The creation part too—using the tools and materials and feeling confident with them—is another rewarding aspect. And ultimately seeing or knowing that others may gain something from experiencing the work is rewarding as well.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Looking back I can see that early in my creative journey I was reluctant to reach out to people with more experience than me, and I didn’t realize the importance. Later on I found the value in those connections, and the willingness of some people to offer advice and guidance. Another good resource has been a local arts organization here in Phoenix, named Artlink, which has facilitated my connections with others in the community and helped me find opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.michaelafsa.com
- Instagram: @michaelafsa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaelsafsa