michael petan

Born June 28 1958 Chicago - Art Institute of Chicago
My Artistic expressions are extruded from my personal photography, childhood memories and daily encounters living in Mid-coast Maine. I feel a constant "spiritual tug of war" between my 25 years living year round in Maine that confronts the visual, cultural and personal imprint of the city of Chicago where I was born and raised. My work captures that clash in layeres often odd, random and unpredictable. Wax, chalk, spray paint, ink, acrylic, sand, anything that can translate texture and color into mood is part of my arsenal. Each offering attempts to capture nature's raw energy, mystery and stenght that simmers just above the surface of the canvas. I work to get closer to that visual vibration and abstraction and often get lost in it. My base layer is light on "drawing" as I prefer to let brush control line, distort line, imply motion and define composition. All I try to do is get out of the way. My current series is Maine Remains the Same is my very first "offering" to the general public. I have been painting since the age of 6 but now this new series feels bigger so I want to set them free . . . I present them with humility before you.

I hope you also find some delight in these Giant Flash Cards. They're 48 x 48 they're a little oversized but my next series is much larger. Maine Remains the Same reminds me to stay curious about what is right before me and keep digging deeper into understanding the unusual rhythm of my seasons here in Maine, the empty, the silent, the majestic and the obscure and the stunning visual joy that is Maine.

Thank You for Your Curosity
Michael Blaze Petan