Artist Statement

Since it seems most people never finish reading an artist statement before viewing the work, I will sum it all up in one sentence: “I am an Orthodox Jewish Youth, living in a sometimes Unorthodox Art World”. As a printmaker, I print on paper utilizing different techniques ranging from traditional use of lithography and relief, to an experimental mixture of serigraph and monotype. With these materials my goal is to introduce Judaism to my viewer in an aesthetic manner, regardless of their previous knowledge of Judaism, so that anyone will be able to appreciate the work on some level. For this reason, I chose to incorporate Judaism with other aspects of my life such as bicycling and skateboarding into my art to bridge the gap between the Torah and the secular worlds. My work ranges from humorous Chassidim popping wheelies on track bikes to very serious depictions of Jewish and Torah life. This visual bridge shows Judaism more empathetically and illustrates to the secular world that not all Jews that follow Torah reject the outside world. Whether it’s simply relating to the aesthetics of the work or understanding the Hebrew text and Judaic imagery, I attempt to create art which speaks to many audiences.

I would like to thank my wife for being a major support even on those nights when I would be in the studio past midnight, my Parents for supporting me in every way possible, always believing in me, and in my artwork. Special thanks to Roxanne Sexauer and Kimiko Miyoshi for teaching me the art of Printmaking. Chris Karl for pushing me to make art that is me and not just “Jewish Art”. Camilla Taylor and Paul Kaloper for helping me set up the show. Lastly, Tyler Ferreira for if it not for him, I would never have any paper to buy and would have messed up a lot of Lithography at 2am the night before a critique.


Website Design By:
Timothy Long

For price inquiries on artwork please contact me @:

 

 ogmikec[at]gmail[dot]com