Michael Morales
Michael Morales Artist Statement
"Imagine Art"
Michael has been naturally artistic his entire life. For ten years he owned a t-shirt silk screening business where he designed logos and created original images for clients. Together with his wife, he created and co-ran an art gallery and ecological-based handcrafted gift shop in Redondo Beach. It was open for 21 years until he suffered a debilitating stroke in 2014. His right side became immobilized and he was aphasic (unable to speak).
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After he was discharged from two months at Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Center, he began participating in the informal outpatient art classes they offer. The first time he attended, it was as if something reawakened inside. He was able to focus for hours, mesmerized with creating abstract as well as realistic paintings that emerged spontaneously. It became his most important therapy.
When Rancho began offering courses with a professional artist, he hesitated but signed up. Even though his brain found it difficult to follow directions, the perceptive, caring and extremely patient teacher saw his potential, helping him trust his innate creative abilities that began surfacing rapidly.
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Exploring various media and techniques broadened the scope of his work. He developed a unique style that incorporates thousands of tiny dots using a black pen, using only his non-dominant hand.
Today these works unfold slowly, some taking over 30 hours to capture minute details. He often integrates whimsical characters doing unpredictable, quirky things. His wife comes up with wacky titles to add even more humor.
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As a previously right-handed person, Michael adjusted to using his left hand to create art. Being aphasic, art expresses all he cannot speak with words.
Michael doesn't allow his physical challenges to stop him. Rather, they inspire other ways of self-expression that bring amazement and laughter to viewers and art collectors.
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"Tree Perspective" 2022 Second Place Winner at Able Arts
