Michael Curtis Riedy, Broomfield CO
Sum up your creative process in one word/phrase, and explain why
Flow. I let the paint flow on the canvas in all directions and typically spin the piece around 360 degrees…kind of the like the earth spinning and “flowing” around the Sun in 365 days. I am also in a flow state when doing a piece and really connected to myself and my heart.
Were you always an artist, even as a child? What was your path to becoming an artist?
I was always creative, but had trouble getting ideas from my head onto paper, canvas, etc. My Mom is an artist and I did some water color with her and got a little taste. Then my roommate found some old acrylic paint in the garage that I had been moving around for 3 years, and we decided to put it to use. I was promoting peace and love and created my first piece on cardboard (in April 2018). I was hooked and often creating 10+ pieces a night. I then went on to create a Peace and Love 365 Project on cardboard creating over 365 small pieces.
I’m pretty sure the universe was speaking to me the last few years as I was constantly finding myself in art studios or crossing paths with local artists when working events; at the Space Gallery for a Land Rover event, helped out with 2 Conception Art shows at the Church in Denver, worked a Bombay Sapphire art event in the Sante Fe Arts District, returned to the Space Gallery for another Bombay Sapphire art event, and helped out with another Conception Art show at the Stanley Marketplace in Aurora. I kept creating and experimenting with acrylic flow styles, and then someone asked to buy a piece. I really couldn’t believe it as I didn’t see myself as an artist, but once I started hanging my art on walls around Denver and people bought more pieces, I realized that it was true. And I was accepted as a Conception Artist for the Stanley marketplace show in October of 2019. I am truly humbled and grateful to be on this path.
What is your medium of choice and what drew you to this particular medium?
Love using Acrylic. Started with the acrylic paint I found in my garage and I enjoyed using it. First I started with cardboard and then added canvases, glass, plastic, metal, wood, basically any material that could be reused and act as my “canvas.” Once I started to flow the acrylic, I really started to get into it and wanted to create more and more.
Is there any particular experience, person, place or thing that inspires you to create? Tell us about that.
I would say the idea of peace and love is a big influence. I’ll often start with a peace sign or a heart and let the paint flow. When I do this on glass, windows, plastic (any clear materials), you can see peace and love on one side, but the other side is “chaos.” I like helping people change their perspective so they can create a “window to freedom.” I’ve been creating a “window” by turning each piece 90 degrees to create 4 different views of the same piece.
What is it like showing your work to people and what do you hope people take away from it?
I like to ask people what they see (kind of like an unintentional Rorschach test) since each person has a different perspective. And I would love for people to grab my art and spin it around so they can get an idea of how I created it and they choose which angle looks best to them. Hopefully reminding them that daily actions can make a difference as the earth is spinning while going around the Sun in 365 days.
What advice do you have for other artists who may be looking to get their work exhibited?
Be open to possibilities and connect with family, friends, colleagues, local artists, artist groups, local galleries, work with local art events happening in your area, get around art and artists, ask lots of questions, and put yourself and your art out there. For example, I frequented IHopIPA in Broomfield and noticed art hanging on the walls. One day I asked how I can get my art up and the owner said one artist is taking his stuff down tomorrow and if I wanted the spot…of course I said YES! I now ask everyplace I go…
