Biography
Michael’s work is partly influenced by his fascination with the extraordinary interactions between high voltage electricity, and noble gas mixtures. He also feels that he is drawn into the work by a deep emotional need to connect his past and future. His glass and Plasma sculptures are but one reflection of that fascination. They not only reflect the deep desire he has to experiment with the varied and esoteric medium of illuminated glass sculpture, but the very basic human need to express himself creatively.
The wall mounted sculpture series are at the other end of the illuminated glass spectrum, and are based in more traditional, crafted neon tube technology. However, with these he also enjoys exploring different areas of uncharted territory and finds ways to incorporate elements of unique electronic control to create an additional sense of style into the piece.
Michael enjoys the exploration of the paradox between the high energy that creates the illumination within the sealed glass vessels, and the slow, sensual movement of the gas mixtures that can be achieved to present a visual experience that is as compelling as it is hard to describe. His expressions are at times humorous and at others inspired by a desire to honor the basic elements of the gasses themselves. During the gas filling portion of the creative process, he attempts to allow the gases themselves to express how they would like to manifest within the glass. “They feel as though they have something to communicate, this medium perhaps gives them a unique opportunity, to be able to listen and understand them is something else entirely!”.
Michael’s background is in Electrical Engineering, Construction, and Electronics. He has worked in the Film Industry, in Commercial Lighting Design, and in Medical Imaging Equipment Installations. His first exposure to illuminated sculpture began in 1996, at the Crafts Center on the Campus of the University of California San Diego. Here he learned the basics of neon tube bending from Ron Carlson, Director of the Neon Studio. Michael was instantly enthralled, and knew that he would only want to have the opportunity to expand and explore this medium to it’s known limits.
Shortly thereafter, Michael found himself moving back to the Bay Area in 1997, he continued the pursuit of his fascination after finding the neon and Plasma Sculpture programs at The Crucible in Oakland. He now also volunteers at The Crucible, using his electrical experience to assist in the continuing installation of equipment.
Michael is now an emerging Bay Area artist who has been invited to participate in several group exhibitions over the last few years. In 2005 at Ohlone College in Fremont, and in 2006 at USF, both for exhibitions focused in the illuminated sculpture realm. He has recently shown wall mounted neon based works at Downtown Restaurant in Berkeley.