Can you tell me a little bit about you?
My parents were in the military so we moved around all the time. I was born in the countryside of Germany and grew up mostly between Germany, Washington, and Texas. Right now I live in the Denver area where I’m in school at the University of Colorado getting my MFA. Before I moved to Colorado I was working for Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, MO helping design and build the dioramas in the stores.
When did you first discover art, or realize you wanted to make it yourself?
I’m the youngest of four brothers and we all drew pictures of Mortal Kombat characters, Pokemon, athletes etc. at the dining room table when we were young. I got into graffiti and customizing air force 1’s in 8th and 9th grade, but didn’t paint on a canvas until I was 21.
What is the last thing you read?
The Power of Myth! I love it and highly recommend it to everyone. Joseph Campbell is awesome.
How do you spend your time when you’re not making work?
I used to make beats for rappers and still make instrumentals when I feel like I need a break from painting.
How has your work evolved over the last few years?
It’s evolved tremendously. I went to a figure painting workshop led by Nicolas Uribe in Chattanooga, TN in 2018 and I learned a lot about technique, character, color, etc. He simplified color mixing with a limited palette for me and it’s made me approach painting in a more confident way.
What is your studio like?
My studio is usually a mess. Theres empty bags of Taki’s, old coffee cups, and paint rags everywhere. I try to clean it once a week but it gets messy quick. Other than painting supplies I have a lot of library books, a few plants, and a midi synth for making beats in my studio.
How would you define “success” in art?
Being able to maintain a life where painting is a priority.
What are you working on right now?
Right now I’m working on paintings for a solo show in September 2020 in Denver, CO.
Find more at mikeyyates.net and on Instagram @mikey_yates!
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