Honoring the Artist:

Robert Michaels

This week's cover by Robert Michaels is ironic in two ways: First, because of the fact that geese played a major part in recent news when a flock probably caused the US Airlines accident. Second, there's the idea that Michaels' setting seems calm enough, yet the presence of a bird in the foreground evokes a contradictory tone. Is it a protector against what is to come or an evil spirit?

Q: Your juxtaposition of images is arresting in this cover work and somewhat surreal. Am I right?

A: Some of my work could be construed as Surrealism. It's heightened reality, like a dream state, illogical. I like Dali and Magritte quite a lot.

Q: What has been your experience with creating surreal pieces?

A: When I was working for a spacecraft company as an assistant accountant, I did a Dali-like painting, and everyone knew it reflected the company and the negative feeling I had for it. I quit my job soon afterwards.

Q: Besides your surreal style, you create in a super - realistic way as well. Who and what have influenced you in that regard?

A: Chuck Close, Pete Turner as far as artists go. But I am a photographer, so that's where the realism comes in.

Q: Talking about realism, do you think photography ever captures "real life?"

A: Photography never captures reality. I'm not a purist, so it doesn't have to, but I am very careful with my imagery. Photo shop isn't going to save you if you have a lousy image.

Q: Are you saying that you're not a purist because you use digital imagery? And what's the appeal of digital technology for you?

A: Yes to the first question. I like digital methods because now I don't get paint on my fingers; a painting also takes three or four months to complete. With photography, I have more control. You can keep creating until you get what you want.

Q. But painting still influences your photography.

A: Yes. I try and get a "painterly" look with my photographs, but it's not easy.

Q: You style is unique, to say the least. What are your intentions or aims when it comes to this style?

A: I want to please myself first. I don't try to copy anyone else's style. And some people copy from books and add something, which I don't. I keep evolving the style in my own mind.

Q: What if something you are creating doesn't work?

A: I have false starts. I either finish or stop. Some images I work on for days and then say, "What am I doing?"

Q: Does you wife, Lindy, tell you if it doesn't work? I know she was involved in a creative profession.

A: My wife tells me the truth. She'll say, "It doesn't work" or simply, "Yes."

She opened me up to color photography; I was doing only black and white photographs when I met her.

Q: Who else influenced your use of color in photographs?

A: Ernst Haas. He was the best. I even met him once at a lecture.

Q: Your ability to put yourself literally and figuratively in a scene, like the one on the cover, is a real talent. Your passion for your art comes through.

A: I'm driven with passion. I'm passionate about life.

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