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By Leon Morimoto
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There is more to a painting than colors and shapes.
Something compels us art enthusiasts to keep staring at the work
being presented. Some types of work appeal to a select few, other
types have a wider appeal. The characteristics that make an artist's
work memorable are subtleties that somehow become apparent to the
viewer, a greater awareness of intent that is humanly intrinsic.
When most elaborate on how certain art makes us feel, we vocalize
a spiritual element that has just been communicated, a communication
that is beyond words. Usually what is perceived is something that
the viewer brings with them. There is a unique bond between artist
and viewer, an experience exchanged. Everybody cannot grasp certain
experiences; in the same thought that not everyone is able to agree.
Yet, the beauty and purpose of art is embodied in these differences.
It is human. The artists' control of the work perceived ends after
the piece is complete. It exists solely as the viewers experience
from then on.
I have learned so much from my friend Miguel Machuca. I am fortunate
enough to have known “Mikki” for over a decade, and
we have shared many experiences within this number of years. He
is one of the few people that I can ponder the abstractions of life
with and not get annoyed by my own inability to see beyond myself.
We draw together and listen to music, noting elements of the music,
busying ourselves with creative energy. I admire his imagination
as I nurture my own. I have watched him develop as the artist, and
the individual. I recall his drawings on flyers. His work, the pen
strokes, colors, shapes, and shading, the presence that is uniquely
his amazes me. He is one of my biggest inspirations, but this feature
is not about me, it is about a truly gifted man I know. Miguel Machuca. |
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Miguel's influences are eclectic; ancient cultures,
elder's wisdom and mysticism combined with elements and ideas embodied
in global street culture. It is the voice of the old soul speaking
with the language and color of today. His talent is rooted in a
natural ability to manipulate shape and color, creating depth in
the images that fascinate him and viewers alike. He is honest in
sharing how he views the world around him. To be blunt, the dude
can draw. His work is like none other. He used to rock characters
that embodied the attitude of youth. It was something that his friends
could relate to. Since then he has established himself as a seasoned
painter, a technician. His techniques are self-taught, as he graduated
from pens to brushes. His appreciation of form is visible to anyone
who understands balance. His experiences are illustrated into ideas
that take shape and color, sometimes in abstract form. Miguel's
presence is always apparent although he reveals an aspect of himself
that is different from the last piece completed.
His latest body of work is entitled “The
Initiation of an Artist”, and is a culmination of past and current
work. A good portion of Miguel's work is acrylic paint on canvas,
but there are a few exceptions that consist of mixed medium, as Mr.
Machuca has a qualified eye for texture as well. There are elements
of symbolism and rhythm embedded within Miguel's work, combined with
movement and interaction between form and the colors that establish
the abstract mood of each individual piece. The series in entirety
is a genuine, graceful, and an honest glimpse into the imagination
of the skillful hands that provided the viewing experience. So what's
next for Miguel? I suspect a lot of empty paint tubes and much success.
Everyday brings new experiences to draw inspiration from. |
