Artist Statement

I grew up in Westerly, Rhode Island and went to a small traditional art school in Connecticut named Lyme Academy College of Fine Art. After I received my BFA, I went to Indiana for my MFA where I also focused on painting. I currently live and work in Bloomington, Indiana where I teach art history.  

I make paintings to explore the connections between my memory, imagination, and dreams. I find it’s hard to distinguish between the three because they eventually all become memories. Through my work I can nail down these disparate thoughts and let them become their own narratives.  

I’m drawn to macabre imagery from pop culture and art history. I use references from sources like nostalgic horror films or northern Baroque artists to emphasize a dramatic climax. Especially the final moment before the story is resolved and there is still some uncertainty.  

I also find it important to emphasize the role that light plays in the story telling.  

This trial-and-error process of investigating the mood is what makes me want to paint. I crave challenging patterns that are symbolic of specific memories. The harder it is to paint something beautiful the more I feel connected to art history.  

www.michaeldreeves.com