Whopple.com

Today’s Artist Interview Is With Michael Dykstra from Madison, Wisconsin.

Whopple: How long have you been an artist?
Michael D.: As a percentage of my life time, really not long I guess. I always dabbled and enjoyed it very much in school and college but did not really pursue it meaningfully until a few years ago. Something clicked about four years ago, don’t really know why, and I decided I just had to pursue being more creative. To be honest it was like something was missing in my life and this was at least part of it. I’m so glad I came to this realization.

Whopple: Tell us about your first attempts to be creative.
Michael D.: Well, I can remember projects in highschool but I assume you mean later than that. To be honest the bug probably started biting me during the early days of the Web. I was a manager of a web development team at the University. This is early on way before Web 2.0, etc. From 94 until about 2000. I ended up getting more and more interested in the design process, using photoshop, etc. I ended up working on some of the projects myself as a kind of graphic artist. I think all that led to where I am now.

Whopple: Do you make a living with your art?
Michael D.: Hmm, I think you say semi-pro maybe. I don’t make enough to live and support my family but I do have a minor source of income from my work. Currently that’s primarily from stock photography

Whopple: How many hours a day do you create?
Michael D.: When I am working on a project I will work all day for many days in a row. That means, getting up (usually late, since I am not an early morning person) and pretty much working all day until I go to sleep. Of course with various breaks to eat, errands or something. But I tend to put in lots of hours when the creative juices are flowing. I have to.

Whopple: How did you pick your creative medium?
Michael D.: It picked me really. I was always fascinated with and loved photography. I bought a pretty good camera several years ago and that’s how I got here. If I had not gotten that “tool” (which is what a camera is — a very expensive and complicated tool) I would not be writing this.

Whopple: What are your inspirations?
Michael D.: Many I think. Although identifying it at any one time is not always that easy. Many times it’s an image and then a flash of an idea kind of forms in your mind and you are hooked, you have to see if you can get that vision out of your head. Something it sucks. Other times you get high from it. Music also inspires me quite a bit. I play music alot when I am creating and thinking.

Whopple: How do you recharge when your creativity hits the wall?
Michael D.: I take a break. It usually means it’s time for a rest in some way. Then it always comes back. I will see something or be talking to someone or see someone elses work that will give me inspiration and ideas. For my light and color project it was my christmas tree that got me thinking about how lights are photographed and if something different could be done.

Whopple: What was your first job?
Michael D.: Well as a teen I worked at a park cutting grass and things. I also worked behind the counter at a tennis club for a bit. Also worked in a factory for SC Johnson for a couple summers. Guess you’d say those were my first jobs.

Whopple: What are your favorite snacks when you are creating?
Michael D.: To be honest I am totally into smoothies now. If I’m up late I will always get hungry by about 12:00. I’l make a big batch of smoothie in the blender. But don’t get the idea that I’m a health nut. My favorite thing to have along with this is chili cheese Fritos. Damn those are salty but yummy!

Whopple: What gives you hope in the world?
Michael D.: When I see people reach out and help and do nice things for others. You can see this even on the internet when you haven’t met someone. Most people are just nice down deep and when it comes out it makes me lose my cynicism for a while.

Whopple: What do you wish you could do?
Michael D.: One of my goals is to be able to make enough of a living on photography and photo arts that I can travel as part of my job. For example if I get an idea for a project that means going to Thailand, I’d just pick up and go and do some shoots there. I’d love to be able to travel to locations for shoots, projects, ideas.

Whopple: What are your artistic goals?
Michael D.: To keep expanding what I do. I don’t really want to be a specialist, at least yet. For exa
mple, lately I’ve been working a lot with water, and it was a blast and I came up with what I think is some pretty unique and interesting things. But I don’t want to do just water, or abstract, or just stock. I have so many ideas I feel sometimes like it’s going to come bursting out of me. I feel like I’m in my 20′s again

Whopple: What has been your most exciting moment as an artist?
Michael D.: Being appreciated by other artists I really admire. When you get kudos from someone whose work you admire and are even in awe of, that feels really good. It’s nice to have your friends and family give you props, but this is a whole different thing.

To See More Of Michael Dykstra’s Art Please Visit:

Photoshelter portfolio – http://michaeldykstra.com
DeviantArt – http://mickeyd600.deviantart.com (prints and other things can be purchased here)
My Blog “The Visual Chain” – http://thevisualchain.wordpress.com
Fine Art America – http://michael-dykstra.fineartamerica.com
3D Gallery Presentation: http://awe.sm/1kfb

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