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 now aphasic (unable to speak).
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.
Exploring various media and techniques broadened the scope of his work. Using a black pen, he developed a unique style that consists of thousands of tiny dots that emerge into drawings. This while using only his non-dominant hand.
These works unfold slowly, some taking 30 hours or more 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.
Being aphasic, art expresses all that 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.
Each dot drawing is an original, one-of-a-kind framed drawing that emerges from Michael, never to be repeated. If you are interested in purchasing them, contact his wife at Royce@RoyceMorales.com
"Tree Perspective" acrylic, 2022 Second Place Winner at Able Arts
