Dumb Dog, by Michael Auger, showing in ArtOMatic Room 6A10

Today I’m interviewing ArtOMatic artist, Michael Auger.

Tomorrow I will post a tag I received from Karen at Art in the Garage.  This is good.  I have a plan.  Am having a bit of a dry spell for posting ideas, though it will get better because last night I went into the studio and played with mud for a few hours.  That was good. And I plan on more tonight.

Here’s Michael:

1.  Describe your artistic process and how you came to your current art style.

An assortment of characters are continuously filling up the inside of my head.  To prevent overcrowding, and possibly a messy explosion, I am fortunately able to allow them to spill from my pen and take life on paper.  Some make it onto canvas and others are created digitally, but most are born with wild, swirling eyes that have a whimsical, offbeat quality.

What/who are your inspirations for art?

I admire artists of all kinds.  some of my favorites who influence me in various ways include:  Tim Burton, Matt Groening, Edward Gorey, Jim Henson, and Bill Waterson.

Why did you choose to show in ArtOMatic?

I exhibited back in 2002 and had a good experience.  This year you can find me in room 6A10.

Where else do you have your art?  Where can folks see more of it?

I show my artwork at various galleries, nightclubs, cafes, and events in and around Washington DC.  You can see my work online and find out more at my website:  http://www.arty4ever.com. [He also has a myspace site]

Are you a full time artist?

Yes.  I run an independent graphic design and illustration business which I started in 1998.

Do you have any tips for aspiring artists out there?

Never be afraid to follow your dreams.

And Michael even sent along his own thought for the day:  No matter what happens, just remember that you can always stick bubble-gum down their pants.

Thanks, Michael! (here are two more of his pieces).

For those of you who don’t recognize the Bill Waterson reference (and who won’t click over ), Waterson is the creator of Calvin and Hobbs.  Go read the article on him.  He is a favorite of mine too, and, according to the article, believes there is no "high" or "low" art, just art.  Hear!  Hear!  And right down the ArtOMatic alley.

thought for the day:  Every so often I read a book about age, and whoever’s writing it says it’s great to be old.  It’s great to be wise and sage and mellow; it’s great to be at the point where you understand just what matters in life.  I can’t stand people who say things like this.  What can they be thinking?  Don’t they have necks?  Nora Ephron, I Feel Bad About my Neck and Other Thoughts on Being a Woman