A Recent Interview Return
Q Who are you and where are you from?
A My name is MichaelA Akers. I am an American-born painter
who lived in Europe for some years, specifically London, Paris, Rome and
Cannes. I was highly influenced by living in other people's countries.
Q Did you go to school to learn how to make art?
A No, I am self taught. I had every opportunity to
acquire classical training as a painter. I certainly
had inspiring events around me, like meeting Pablo
Picasso, but the passion of self-expression was not
there yet, in my heart.
Q What is your preferred technique or medium?
A Oil on canvas It is forgiving.
Q What is involved with the creation of your work. For
example, what is your process?
A It begins with the intense desire to make a statement.
It may be that a motif has finally evolved into an
image and it becomes a radiant idea-image that compels
you. It is beyond methodology. Yet, there are
certain things I do. I have built my own frames (3’
x 4’) and painted with sable brushes, creating thin
films of oil paint. Painting on a larger scale like
“The Song” and “I Viking” requires time and energy and
planning. “Angel of the Adoration” an oil on canvas
exhibited in Florence, Italy celebrates the poignant
love angelic beings bring.
Q In your mind what is art?
A Art is our divine self-expression. Art forms are
lines, squares, circles, triangles, colors imbued
with the artist’s spiritual energy. A vision drawn out
in a visual landscape of symbols, transcendent by the
mere presence of passionate energy.
Q How long have you been making art ?
A Most of my
painting has been over the last twenty years
Q Who do you make art for?
A There is an “I” and a
“Thou” I make it for “Thou”, so that we may become the One. Love motivates.
Q In your opinion what was the greatest period of Art
History?
A The High Renaissance.
Q Do you attach yourself to any artistic movements such
as Surrealism or abstract Expressionism.
A No, but I can appreciate them.
Q How do you feel society at large treats artists?
A Wonderfully.
Q Who is your all time favorite artist?
A I have spent time in the Sistine Chapel peering up at
Michelangelo’s “Creation of Man” and an inch away from
the luminous Mona Lisa at the Louvre. I am in awe of such masters.
They are wonderous...but, I will also share with you my thrill over
Monet and The Impressionists..
Q What is your favorite museum? why ?
A Forgive me, but there are too many extraordinary
museums for me to have a favorite.
I thank you, Irma, for your interest in my art. My
very best wishes for you and your class. Do not
hesitate to ask more questions, if you wish.
MichaelA