Michael Stillion

Artist Statement

I work for the brink of disaster.  The fine line of tension that occurs within the moments before total collapse or a return to stability is both the subject matter and process used to make my work.

Inspired by a number of visual sources, current events and memories, my work is influenced by everyday experiences and recollections of the past. The emotional and visual aspects that impact me are reflected in the mingling of humor and darkness within my work.  Finding a balance between the two is a challenge. Using the amalgamated figure I am able to further investigate the link my work has with individualism, current events, narrative, reality and fantasy. I want the viewer to take the googly-eyed creation seriously. I want there to be mixed emotions about how the subject can be laughable while simultaneously evoking sympathy for its situation.