Michael Banks

Michael Banks

Michael Banks has an insatiable drive to create. His passion and energy are poured into his art and are reflected in the unique style of his work. Michael’s bold images of bizarre people and animals are most often painted on a background of liquid tar. Before the paint is applied, details and outlines are scratched into the partially dried tar with a sharp object. Sometimes letters or words are also added, but their meanings are left open to interpretation. Artistic as a child, Michael was encouraged by his mother who believed he would be a great artist one day. She warned him that he would face obstacles, but perhaps the most difficult was her death in 1992. Devastated by her loss, Michael was plunged into many dark and troubled years when it seemed possible that he would never paint again. Fortunately for us all, Michael regained his creative spark, and it returned with feverish intensity. Although still struggling with life’s demons, Michael now devotes himself to painting fulltime. He and his wife Jennifer are the proud parents of two beautiful sons.