Join us in celebrating the collage work of Heart of Chaos Director and Juvenile Hall Art Teacher, Michael Denning.

Opening Reception:
December 5, 2008 5pm-8pm

Location:
Gardner Community Center
520 W. Virginia Street
San Jose 95125

Exhibit Dates: 12/05/08 - 12/31/08

Gallery Hours: 9am-7pm M-F

Q&A with the Artist
Q: How would you characterize your work?

Michael: In a world where we are bombarded on a daily basis by an oversaturation of media and pop culture, I have learned to recycle that media into statements about life, love, youth mentoring, art, politics, spirituality and personal experience through the art of collage. My goal as an artist is to provoke thought, inspire change and invoke in others the desire to create. This is my showcase of Cut and Paste.

Q: What is your favorite medium and why? What is your range of mediums?

MIchael: Collage. Old fashioned cut and paste. I seem to work best manipulating mass media into something beautiful and unique. I am passionate about art that says something and this enables me to do that. I used to write stories and poetry back in junior high and high school and this artform allows me to do that but in a fresh new way. I also paint, draw, design clothes, graphics and work with assemblage in a variety of mixed mediums but collage is where my heart and true passion lies

Q: Where have you studied art? Where have you exhibited work?

Michael: I studied graphic design at Brooks College in Sunnyvale. As for art I am pretty much self taught. Teaching it in Juvenile Hall in San Jose, has really helped me hone my craft. I have exhibited at Heart of Chaos' 2nd Annual Youth on Fire, Down the Rabbit Hole, Urban Geography, Uproar 2007 and Uproar 2008. One of my pieces has also been exhibited at two Northern California Narcotics Anonymous Conventiion Art Shows and has had a permanent residence in Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall's court waiting room. This is my first solo exhibit.

Q: What is your favorite work? And what is your favorite response from others to your work?

Michael: My favorite work is "The Way of No XTC." It is the most personal to me and the response I have had to it from others has been amazing. The first time it was exhibited, someone approached me telling me how their mom was a long time recovering heroin addict and how they could really identify with it and found a lot of hope in my expression. That was beyond any expectation I could have had. Displaying at NA conventions was a true gift because they could all closely identify with my struggles and recovery accomplishment. Having it on permanent display in Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall's court waiting room has been the greatest gift of all, how many kids will that reach and possibly make a difference to? That blessing is beyond measure.

Q: Where are you going now? What direction is calling you?

MIchael: My goal is to continue in the same forward direction. I hope to learn to paint more and start including paintings in my collages. I like the idea of blending to totally different mediums into one conhesive piece where each compliments the other.

Q: How has Heart of Chaos been a benefited you?

MIchael: How hasn't it benefited me? Since day one, nothing but miracles and blessings. There are too many ways to count. I have made so many contacts and friends and learned so much from other artists. From teaching in Juvenile Hall to promoting art exhibits to doing interviews with big name musicians I idolize for the upcoming book publication Soul Revolution, I'm not sure where to even begin. Teaching has been so rewarding, I am making a difference in the lives of these kids. Some of them I am actually getting through to. Making exhibits come to life, like Uproar this year, was amazing! My friends came and checked it out and it blew them away. Now they want to get involved. How cool is that? As for Soul Revolution, I've met some of the coolest, humblest, most down to Earth artists who I've look up to and have inspired me in countless ways and I've got to help tell their stories. Interviewing The RZA (from the Wu-Tang Clan) as a way to teach the youth in Juvenile Hall was definitely a high point in my life thus far. My life is like a dream come true and it all comes from my desire for creating art and the passion to pass that on to others. I am on fire with inspiration. I believe through Heart of Chaos, we will be able to help change the world through art and I plan to do just that.