Michael Jammal

A FEW THINGS ABOUT THE ARTIST

1. What do you do when you’re not making art? (Day job etc...).

I have a busy family life and professional occupations that require my full time attention. But I have always appreciated all forms of art and personal expressions on my many travels world-wide. My work takes me to exotic places and I always look for inspirations and take lots of pictures to bring these places back with me and in my art.

2. Why do you make art?

I started early in life and have dabbled in most art mediums. This is a difficult question to answer, my paintings are a major part of me. I am not sure what else I would have done if I am not producing artworks. I have always looked for ways of expressing myself in paintings. I have even done some carvings and find peace in my expressions. I find that the best time to work is when I am offered a new medium, and in front of a new blank canvas.

3. What inspires you?

I look for inspirations in sunsets, long walks, listen to nature and observe all life around me. Nature is my main subject and I find that my family emotional responses are expressed in nature scenes all around me and in my art.

4. What/who are your influences?

Over the years I looked at the works of many 19th and early 20th century artists. I found the works of Claude Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso and many contemporary artists to be most inspiring. Lately I look at the works of many pastelists for inspirations.

5. If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be?

I enjoy talking to all artists and find pleasure in observing any artist at work especially in plein-air competitions where you have a front seat to the creation process of a new artwork. I would have loved to see Picasso, Claude Monet, Warhol or any famous artist creating in life.