Today I got to interview one of my favorite young artists in the Springfield Missouri area, Michaela Kershaw of Mike’s Garbage Art. I have known Mike for years now. As one of those young artists who is friends with my son, I have watched with proud motherly eyes as Michaela has grown and found her unique and beautiful artistic voice. Michaela has been an artist for as long as I have known her, traveling to cons and now as a tattoo artist in Springfield Missouri. So let’s learn a little more about this talented artist!
I am constantly being surrounded by artists both because of my line of work and because of my son. I love supporting all artists and have a special place in my heart for those that are in my sons age group, including Michaela. But you know I must really support the artist when I have their art tattooed on my body! This is Michaela! Some of you may know I am sometimes am known as aBee it is part of my business and it is what I go by in the artistic realm in which I tend to step into. So I decided to get bee tattoos. My goal is 13 by the end of 2020. So far I have 2 and Michaela was the artist for both. Here is my TogeBee that she did just a few weeks ago!
So when I decided to do a featured artist every few weeks Michaela was on that initial list of artists I wanted to place a spotlight on!
Michaela, thank you for taking time and answering some questions for me. I appreciate it.
What inspired you to become an artist? And how old were you?
“I’ve been drawing ever since i was able to hold a crayon honestly, but I think something clicked around 14 years old and I was like “whoa, I should actually try and pursue this.” I used to make binders full of really silly stick figure comics and I think just having that kind of pure and wholesome fun was what made me gravitate towards art instead of something like music or academics.”
If you could work with any artists in the world who would it be and why?
“Seth Evermen. Piano counts as art and I’d collab with that guy in a heartbeat hahahah.”
What kind of art or what artist inspires you today?
“Ivan Alifan. I admire his hustle a lot and his attention to detail. The drippy whip cream theme has always fascinated me.”
If you had to describe your art in 3 words to someone who had never seen it what 3 words would you use?
“Pink, goopy, and inconsistent”
Why do you call your art Mikes Garbage Art? There has to be a story behind that name.
“It mostly came from finally getting over my fear of not doing “serious” art. I draw a lot of cutesy, lewd, anime themed pieces, and I always get this vibe that it’s not really taken seriously outside of internet art spaces. But maybe it’s okay to not be taken seriously. Maybe fully embracing that “trash” art style is more fun. Plus it’s catchy and easy to remember.”
What made you decide to take your art from canvas to human canvas in the form of tattoos?
“Honestly a lot of it was desperation. I was 19 and going to community college, not really sure what to do with the future. Couldn’t go to art school without getting myself into a lot of student debt, and there weren’t many art career options that I saw myself being both happy and successful in. So I inquired about an apprenticeship and promptly dropped out.
I hate the idea of working for a studio or corporation and tattooing has a lot of freedom. Tattooing also gives me a sense of satisfaction and artistic fulfillment that I haven’t really experienced at other jobs.”
Can you provide links to where our readers can find your art, products and where they can find you to get a tattoo?
“Yes! My instagram is @mikesgarbageart. That’s really where I do everything. You can DM me for a tattoo appointment and view all of my work there!”
Do you have any appearances coming up at cons that you would like our readers to know about?
“I’ll be at Planet Comic Con at the end of March and the Kansas City Villainarts tattoo convention in May.”
Thanks Mike for taking the time to answer some questions. Everyone please go check out this awesome artist and remember to check out local artists in your area. We need to support art and beauty!
Thanks for reading this GeekyGirlNess!
