Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Mitchell.
Hi Mark, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I am one of those creative types that have always considered myself an artist. I’ve been drawing or doing something creative for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I would entertain myself for hours replicating everything I saw—from TV to magazines, album covers, comic strips, whatever. I made my first animated cartoon on Super 8 film in my basement at age thirteen. My passion for art led me to a commercial art program in high school, which helped me with a portfolio good enough to get me into Pratt.
My early career began in design studios and ultimately led to art director gigs at ad agencies in NYC. I had a hand in creating a ton of ads, billboards, and commercials for everything from beer to bestsellers to cable TV to miracle drugs. Along the way, I have learned how to put concepts first, and manipulate imagery to surprise, provoke and reward the viewer. I think having that commercial background helped develop the disciplines I use today in my painting practice.
I took a big gamble and left the all-consuming daily grind of the Manhattan ad biz back in 2010, and relocated to St Pete to change gears and focus on my second career as a painter. I found my new environment both liberating and inspiring, landing in a community of so many talented and welcoming artists here. I was finally able to devote the time and energy needed to dive into the personal work I’d been longing to develop but was unable to do up north.
I left New York with a vision of the style I wanted to create. My inspiration came from Pop Art masters like James Rosenquist, Tom Wesselmann, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Peter Max. I’m also heavily influenced by the surrealism of Rene Magritte and Salvador Dali, the soft-focus realism of Edward Hopper, and the street art/graffiti styles of Keith Haring, Banksy, Shepard Fairey, and Ron English, among others. Somehow, my plan was to combine all of these influences into something I could call my own: Conceptual Pop Art.
Since then, I’ve been steadily creating a consistent body of work, exhibiting in some respectable venues—both locally and out of state—selling originals and commissions, winning some awards, and building an enthusiastic following.
Simply stated, It’s been the most rewarding phase of my life and career.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
To say it’s been easy would be a lie. I think very few artists would tell you that. Success has been a bit spotty, and slowly building over time. While critical praise and community support have been consistent, achieving a robust ROI as a business has been more challenging.
My objective has always been to create fine art as a full-time occupation. The reality is that I’ve needed to find other income streams to help fund the dream. Some of these involve applying for grants. Others are sided hustles like graphic design and commercial voiceover work. So, dipping into a wider skill set has helped smooth the road a bit.
Another challenge is the expense of displaying my work and getting it seen by a broader audience. I generally try to avoid pay-to-play exhibitions, but occasionally they provide opportunities for exposure that may be worth the gamble. One of these was an out-of-state art fair in which I was participating that ultimately lost funding and never took place. Refunds were never issued, leaving me out some significant cash. These are the risks we artists are expected to take, and it can be infuriating when they don’t pan out.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The art that appeals to me has always had some intangible quality that gave me pause. A unique perspective or sense of mystery that made me stop, and actually think.
I believe in art that conveys ideas. My process begins with an observation and a reaction. I explore metaphoric visuals via a collage approach to create paintings in acrylic on canvas. By drawing on the power of pop culture, I repurpose its icons and techniques to deliver my artistic statement.
My art is intended as a wake-up call, exposing things that may be hidden. Each piece attempts to catch the viewer off-guard, challenge them to make connections, and ultimately see differently some aspect of the world. Through meaningful juxtaposition and social commentary, my work is an exploration of the irony, contradiction, parallels, and harmony found in 21st-century life.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I love when all the pieces fall into place. On a personal level, that could mean weekend plans with friends or family, or a perfect evening out with my wife.
On an artistic level, I’m always happy to see my vision realized on canvas, especially when the result exceeds my expectations. And then, once finished, it’s particularly rewarding to see how people react to my work.
One of my favorite experiences was having a roomful of people—of all ages and ethnicities—engaging with my work when I showed it during Art Basel Miami. Someone asked a question about the theme of one of my pieces, which suddenly sparked a lengthy open discussion on the issue, which led to even more interaction about some of my other paintings on display. The fact that my work holds this power to speak to people, and encourage them to speak with each other, is a profound joy for me.
And, of course, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing one of my paintings connect with someone so deeply that they feel compelled to own it and invite it into their home, and daily life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.markmitchellstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mmstudioart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markmitchellstudio
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mmstudioart
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/totalmitchart
- Other: https://linktr.ee/mmstudioart
Image Credits
Xina Scuderi and Mark Mitchell
