Please tell me a little bit about yourself and your practice.
I was born and raised in a small town called Didsbury, Alberta. It is a small hockey town with under 3000 people which led me to play a lot of sports. I didn’t really make art growing up besides in the two art courses I took in high school. Thinking back on it, it seems like my upbringing made a bigger impact on my practice then I imagined. My last series of paintings proposed to paint the most iconic building [in my eyes] in North American cities in the theme of their NBA team. Right now I’m dominantly ‘concerned’ with the icon and monument.
Where did you study? What kind of an influence has this had on your practice?
I studied at the University of Calgary and it has had an immense influence on my practice. I was able to finish with a Bachelors in Fine Arts and minor in Architectural Studies: both which changed the way I work technically, and mentally. I had the chance to take a lot of independent studies and courses with Eric Cameron which was an immeasurable experience. His mentorship is something that will influence me my whole life.
What have you been doing since graduating?
I got the token trip to New York out of the way and then went back to school. I am currently trying to balance a painting practice and my Masters in Architecture at the University of Toronto.
What struggles do you face in your practice? Do you have any insecurities while making your work?
My work strives off insecurities. I can never make up my mind, so I end up using various styles, imagery, text, and references…which results in a painting in one form or another.
Do you find yourself attracted to work that is unlike yours, or work that is very similar?
Both.
Who are some other artists whose work you are interested in, or who have influenced your practice?
Trudy Benson, Ronny Quevedo, Francis Bacon, David Hockney, Dan Colen, Vladimir Dubossarsky & Alexander Vinogradov, Kim Dorland, Caitlin Cherry
What music do you listen to while working in the studio, if any?
I mainly listen to old hip-hip or house music. Jazz in the morning.
What are some of your favorite things to do in Calgary? Places to eat? Way to spend a day off?
I usually skateboard. My favourite restaurant in Calgary is Mercato.
Do you have any upcoming exhibitions or projects?
I have my first solo exhibition called Monumental Contradiction coming up in December as a result of a scholarship from private donors in remembrance of Dorothy Mcfarlane. The exhibition will be curated by Jenna Swift and the opening is on December 14th in the Art Point Gallery space. (the First Professional Exhibition Scholarship was juried by Christine Sowiak – curator, Nickle Arts Museum, Richard Gordon – former curator, Illingworth Kerr Gallery, and Geoffrey Simmins – art historian and Associate Dean of Arts, University of Calgary.)
Website?
www.michaelabelstudio.com
Toronto-based artist Jen Mann’s work explores the subconscious, and focuses on ideas of freedom, perceived beauty, identity and home.
TRUCK’s upcoming +15 Window exhibition, Return to the Dollhouse is a collection of four small-scale installations visible only through peepholes. Featuring Calgary-based Jim Laing, Stephen Nachtigall, and Dimitra Polychronis, and Toronto-based Brandon A. Dalmer.