MoAA Interview #21: Michael Banks

Today, MoAA presents artist Michael Banks!

I met Michael at last year’s HeroesCon–like Bianca, he was our table neighbor. (And of course, he and Bianca know each other from way back!)

It’s funny…being behind tables at a comic con is a bit like being in the trenches (albeit very nice trenches). You form bonds with really great people you might never have otherwise met. I’m so glad Michael was one of those people!!

***************

Alethea Kontis: What’s your preferred medium?

Michael BanksMichael Banks: I love to work with oils on canvas. It’s very relaxing to me and I can get lost for hours.

AK: What’s the best thing about art?

MB: Being able to create my own world and make people happy.

AK: What’s the worst thing about art?

MB: Not being able to turn my imagination off, stop working and relax a minute.

AK: Finish this sentence: “Art is like…”

MB: a best friend, it’s always there to help you through the hard times and good.

AK: If you could draw/sketch/paint anywhere in the world, where would it be?

MB: The Magic Kingdom

AK: Pick five words to describe your latest work.

MB: Colorful, whimsical, detailed, cute and dark.

AK: Pick five words to describe you.

MB: Happy, persistent, anxious, romantic, dreamer.

AK: What’s your favorite type of tree?

MB: I love orange trees. 🙂

AK: What were you like in high school?

MB: Artistic, quiet, strange, anxious daydreamer. Nothing has changed.

AK: If you could give one piece of advice (artistic or otherwise), what would it be?

MB: Follow your heart. Never give up on your dreams no matter how far fetched they may seem.

AK: The Colin Harvey Memorial Question: What are 3 things you’d like to do before you die?

MB: 1.Travel the world with my beautiful wife.

2.Create a world that people will remember for eternity.

3.Relax.

**********************

In a far away land called imagination…
I paint candy filled scenes with broken stars that represent perseverance, bubbles of happiness and paint dripping clouds that symbolize the never ending brainstorm in my mind. I’m addicted to sugar, caffeine, women, big eyes, color, disney, music, movies, art, toys, junk, cats, nature, cleaning & running. That’s my life and through my art you can read my stories.