Meet Michael Fishburn | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Fishburn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
In addition to learning (aka obsessing) about artists whose work influences mine and whose careers inspire me, the following are habits that are helping me succeed:

• I work every day, even if it is something small. Stay engaged!

• I try to be someone who follows through on what I say. Like Tyler the Creator said, “Don’t, hype yourself up now and then go home and be like, oh, I don’t know. like, do it. You know, like people do it all the time. And then they, like No, like, do it for real though. For real do it.” This habit will go a long way in life, not just with others but with yourself!

• Ideas have a shelf life. Act on them. No second thoughts; just go with it. Recognize what brings you to the flow state; what sights, smells, tastes, imagery, and memories trigger the moments that you can’t stop yourself from creating art. Let inspiration become your habit!

• Whatever you create, learn to love it, keep learning about it, and love it even more.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been into art. I consume art everywhere, allow myself to feel it, and form ideas for paintings on an endless loop in my mind.

I continually educate myself about artists that came before and obsess over their work, processes, and success. I go deep, emulating their routines into mine as I fully immerse myself in my art.

Last winter, I decided to pursue my dream to become, I don’t know if “professional” is the right word, an artist.

In less than six months, I had my first solo show. (Does that mean I’ve gone pro? LOL.) Now, I’m busy working on new pieces for future shows. I’ve had a taste of success and am building on the routine that got me here. Thanks to the time I spend studying Condo, Basquaint, and many others.

I’m young. It’s early. And I don’t yet know everything that sets me apart from “the rest,” except to say that I don’t compare myself to others. Comparison sets you up to fail.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m not an itinerary kind of guy, sorry. We’d go where we end up!

Discovering new places, even in the city I live, is more fun. I think most people are like this. Does anyone like itineraries?

Kaneko is a gallery in Omaha’s Old Market that we’d visit. While in the market, we’d go thrifting, roam through the stores and alleys, take photos, and find inspiration – it’s everywhere!

Let’s also go to the Gene Leahy Mall. It’s our downtown park that the city recently remodeled for approximately a bazillion dollars. More inspiration awaits.

And the world-famous Henry Doorly Zoo. I think it’s in the contract that you must say “world-famous” first. I’m joking, but it is kind of crazy that Omaha has one of the top zoos in the world. It’s not a lie. We’ll spend an entire day there. If we had an itinerary, we’d put it there.

Also, I’d take you to Split, where I had my show. And home to meet my family.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child shifted my entire perspective on art. His story transformed my thinking about art as something I love and obsess about to making it my career. Our backgrounds and mediums are worlds and several decades apart, but Jean-Michel was the catalyst for my first solo show in the summer of 2022.

George Condo’s work speaks to me and makes me believe I can also do this. Thanks, George!

Also, my parents – Dan and Katie – accept and put up with me exactly as I am. I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to find my way as an artist with their unconditional love and support.

Website: https://michaelfishburn.com/

Instagram: @fishburncreations

Image Credits
Michael Fishburn