Michael West
Conversation Piece
February 1 – February 24, 2019
A conversation piece is an 18th century term referring to portraits of family or society engaged in genteel conversation, usually staged in a domestic setting. More recently, the term refers to a unique object which arouses discussion.
“Conversation Piece” is a modern version of these concepts. The artist as examiner and confronter desires to initiate a new dialogue through his humorous and psychological influence. Although this gathering emphasizes the artist, his role could pertain to anyone who wishes to bring new things to the table. This leads to transformative discussions and experiences for those in the group who wish to participate.
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Michael West was born in Rockville, CT. He received his BFA from The Corcoran College of Art and Design. For over 15 years, he and his wife, Tracey, have co-owned Studio West, a decorative painting and design company. While maintaining a successful small business, he continued to keep his eye on the art world. Through his trade, Michael has painted on multiple surfaces including walls, floors, ceilings, and furniture. Working in three dimensional environments has influenced his fine art by employing the use of common building and household materials such as boards, string, glass, plaster, and Styrofoam,leaving them in their raw or muted states, or completely transforming them. Michael’s work explores movement and location . . . combinations of fixed and fluid elements activate experiences within each work. His sculptures are places to mentally land upon, get caught within, or to take off from.
