October 2005

Mitch Mickelson

Artist Statement

My art is a study of the human experience encompassing the phases of life - from birth to the innocence of childhood through the expectations of adolescence and the uncertainties of adult relationships.

I try to connect the viewer with a strong emotional feeling to the challenges faced by all of us in whatever phase of life that we may be in.

I want to depict all ranges of emotions: loss, joy, despair, happiness, discovery, fear, love, struggle for achievement, and at times for survival itself.  These emotions are the sources of imagery for my narrative paintings.

I use realistic portrayals to evoke the emotional examinations.  I have used acrylic, pen, pencil, color pencil, photographic image manipulation, with several mediums and effects to achieve the desired images.

I feel the experiences that are highlighted by strong emotions are the frozen moments that as an artist you try to share with everyone.

-Mitch Mickelson
Oct. 2005