We were lucky to catch up with Michael Chomick recently and have shared our conversation below.
Michael, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
It was back in 1986. The actual date was Thursday, August 28th, 1986. I refer to this date as my “Day of Redemption”. On this particular day I was laid off from my job as a newspaper editorial artist. Subsequently, the following month of September I switched my artistic trajectory from that of a commercial artist of 11 years to my current status: a thought-provoking visual artist of 37 years and counting.
Michael, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
After high school I enrolled into a two year commercial art school program. Upon graduation I entered the commercial art world as a paste-up artist at an advertising agency. During my 11 year tenure as a commercial artist, besides working at that aforementioned ad agency I did a lot of freelance work. I ended that 11 year tenure with an editorial artist position at a small newspaper. After being employed at the newspaper for 2 1/2 years the paper was closing its operations and laid off all of its employees. My date of departure was Thursday, August 28th, 1986. The following month I entered the fine arts world first becoming a print maker. Since those early days of my newfound artistic trajectory and passion I created my works in various styles and disciplines I.e.: prints, small to mural-sized oil paintings, mixed media clay sculptures, ink and/or graphite drawings to my current body of works mixed media constructions or as sometimes referred to assemblages and/or found objects. I prefer to call them “mixed media constructions” due to the fact if I can not find or buy a particular item to complete an individual work I will produce it by hand. All of my thought-provoking constructions have at least one found object component to it. Over my 37 years+ career I have found that the mixed media constructions bring to them a whole different mindset. More akin to puzzle solving as opposed to painting and drawing which are more spontaneous in nature. For me, the mixed media constructions requires the right placement of each element/object juxtaposed to other components to complete the work. This process captivates me and has me truly engaged in the totality of each individual work. The end result is a one-of-a-kind piece.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, my 37 year quest, and counting, as a fine artist is something that has given to me the greatest pleasure, satisfaction and legacy. I wouldn’t have thought of doing anything else for my life and as previously stated- my Legacy. As a human being we all, or say those who wish to contribute to society, want to make this world a better place and being an artist is certainly one path to achieving this vision especially when an artist participates in displaying their works to a wider audience. You will never know whom you, as an artist, are influencing when displaying your artwork.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My first and foremost goal is to have my works in major contemporary art museums and the like. To be able to walk into any contemporary art museum worldwide and/or collector’s venue to view my work/s on display and to know that those works are in their collection would the ultimate goal. I would rather leave an empty art studio to my children as opposed to one filled with my works and putting the burden on them to have to deal with my works and ultimately my Legacy after my departure from this life.
Contact Info:
- Website: MichaelChomick.com
- Instagram: artofchomick
- Facebook: artofchomick