Mikel Frank

Mikel Frank
Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

STATEMENT

The act of painting and creating is something that is in my nature. I am happiest when I’m doing it. When I am in the “zone” there is nothing quite like it. It may be the only time I am truly in the moment. My work is about process and reaction. I never do sketches before I start. It is totally spontaneous. I make a mark or glue down an image and then respond to it and make another move that supports the creation of the entire work. It’s visual improvisation. I am reacting to what the work is visually saying to me. In my collage work, I create a narrative placing appropriated images from different sources and juxtapose them in a way that creates questions and implies meaning. I use painting techniques and plastic elements of art making with these images, which are weighted with symbolism and art historical references.

Painting for me is an expression of what is going on in my life at the time, what is going on inside me. It is not a translation. It is a communication of things that have meaning to me put together in a way, which communicates my vision. The hope is that the viewer will reflect in some way and see something in the work that sparks understanding.

BIO

In 2018 Mikel co-curated, coordinated and exhibited in, “Visual Strategies: A Collaborative Project”, ClearWater Artist Studios, Concord, North Carolina. In 2017 Mikel co-curated and exhibited in “Color of Energy, Energy of Color”, Firehouse Gallery, Orange, New Jersey. In 2013-14 he co-curated, “MICA: Then & Now at The Noyes Museum of Art”, Oceanville, New Jersey.

In 2018, Mikel was hired by Gaston College, Dallas, North Carolina as an Adjunct Instructor in the Arts and Sciences Division. In 2017 Mikel was hired by Rowan Cabarrus Community College as an Adjunct Instructor in the Fine and Applied Arts Department. In 2016 he became a volunteer docent at The Mint Museum, Charlotte, North Carolina. From 2002 to 2014 Mikel created and taught an art critique class called The Contemporary Artists Forum. He was curator of the annual Contemporary Artists Forum Exhibition at 1978 Maplewood Arts Center in Maplewood, New Jersey. From 2002 to 2014 Mikel was on the Advisory Board of 1978 Maplewood Arts Center, serving as Vice President of the Executive Board and co-chair of the exhibitions committee. In 2014-15 he co-chaired the Maplewood Arts Council.

ARTIST CONTACT

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www.mikelfrank.net

IMAGES