Boot trax: Paintings of the Journey
A collection of my paintings and the journals that inspired them.
All Paintings are for sale! mstevenspt@aol.com
Mike Stevens
Artist Mike Stevens began painting when he was in high school. The son of a visual artist, Mike was drawn to the arts early on. Mike’s path after high school took him in other directions, but Mike returned to painting seriously about three years ago.
"... for suddenly there is a parting in the trees and, rewarding the elevation of the climb, a view presents itself. So unfolds this portrait, of relaxed informality: seldom concerned about details so long as something of the sense of the spirit of the thing comes across, is felt and is known..." - Read 'Boot Trax Journals, stories of the journeys that inspired many of Mike's images.
In December of 2008, Mike began collaborating regularly with The Bill Stevens Trio during their live jazz performances in and around North Carolina’s research triangle. During these performances, Mike paints landscape images live onstage during the group’s set. This exploration of the synergy between improvised music and live painting has become an audience favorite.
"In today's world, where recordings and the Internet have made outstanding music commonplace, we seek to invite listeners into a kind of experience they could only have with live improvisation. We do this by emphasizing spontaneous interaction amongst performers, cultivating deep emotional attunement with the listening audience, and performing with a painter; you can't get that at home!" - Read More about the band...
Mike Currently lives in Chapel Hill, NC with his bride, Melissa.
