Interview
Michael DeMeglio
Artist Michael DeMeglio draws inspiration from the expressive and impressionistic styles of the old masters, while still defying convention. Michael’s artwork reflects his Italian heritage and a family legacy of artists with fiery passionate colors and compositions. During his education in Graphic Design at Gallaudet University, his artistic soul turned toward the boundless realms of paint and ink.
Beyond the canvas, Michael’s artistry has heralded the 2015 St. Paul Jazz Festival, found homes in numerous galleries and private collectors, been featured in solo shows as well as the Minneapolis Airport and murals found in downtown Stillwater. When not immersed in his vibrant creations, Michael dedicates his time as a deaf-blind intervener, helping students with visual and auditory impairments better navigate their learning and environment. Unfettered by the constraints of a single medium, Michael’s artistic vision transcends traditional boundaries, often merging acrylic, oil, watercolor and sketch to breathe life into his works. With a fearless spirit, some of his pieces incorporate color, and texture that mirror the depth of his emotional expression. From jubilant rhythms of a spontaneous street dance to the enigmatic allure of speakeasy culture, to the vibrant beauty of his backyard garden, Michael encapsulates an ode to the narrative, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a world where every stroke carries a story, and every hue dances with feeling.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I am a self taught artist and became a professional acrylic/oil painter since 2015. I have been doing illustrations since 2001 when I majored in Graphic Design. Graphic design wasn't working for me and I switched to painting to see how I could develop more into what I wanted to create. Oil painting was just as fun as acrylic. Fast forward into 2015, I honed in my skills and ventured outside and painted en plein air. My traction as an artist was seen by many viewers and soon I was I working in commissions and doing freelance work.”
What inspires you?
“Listening to people tell stories. Stories often become paintings and I am inspired by what I hear people describe an event or real life experience. I am often inspired by real life settings, such as cafe scenes, restaurants and architecture or nature scenes. I love people and will get inspired to paint figures in public settings. I often do themes related to real life scenarios. Music also inspires me. Jazz has a huge influence in the way I incorporate my style of work. The colors I pick often come from jazz sounds and may lead me to create a series or theme. Looking at master paintiners such as Pissaro, Sorolla, Courbet my work will often be influenced by them and I do my best to incorporate my personality while giving homage to the great masters.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I have quite a few Jazz related themes of musicians playing. I will often create jazz like atmosphere or cafe and small restaurant like atmosphere. The story telling of the roaring 1920's or deep rich colorful colors of the sounds of jazz. Classical music gives me great inspiration and will often spark my mild synesthesia.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work is quick paced with great character and emotive brush strokes. People often say when viewing my work that they ‘fall into the painting,’ they get a strong feeling of emotions and find many things to look at. People are glued to my abstract work. They feel there are lots to look at and will often find themselves wanting more. While I do have a great influence of impressionist my work changes with different tools I use to paint with. I may use a putty knife or brush and each tool will bring a different emotion to the final piece.”
Which artists influence you most?
“There are many artists that influence me. I particularly like Edward Hopper for his solitude and open ended storyline. I really lean into the light work from Joaquin Sorolla or the loose brush strokes and quick pace style of Pissaro, Monet and Camille Corot. I will often create strong figures in a very absurd or wonky kind of way that has been influenced by Picasso.”
“Classical music gives me great inspiration and will often spark my mild synesthesia.”
What is your creative process like?
“I can be very spontaneous or I can be methodical. It really depends on what has inspired me. Sometimes, I will be thinking of particular subject matter and do a little research or find specific artist and what they might have done that was influencing me. Once I get something in my head or see a vision IO want to create, I will either sketch it out or go straight to the canvas and get right to it. One particular painting called Wayfaring. Acrylic on canvas, rather large. 58"x48" was done in one night. I woke up at 1am and went into the studio and did it in 4 hours. That was fun!”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I don't think an artist has a role in society. I think we as artists should hone in our skills and do our best to make the world a better place by providing great literature through visual imagery. I often find when we make good strong statement it can make people see and feel through a non verbal way.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“My last big exhibition was a solo show at Minneapolis Metro Airport in Minnesota during September 2024. My visual interpretations offered a dynamic and interactive link between the view and the sound of Beethoven’s infamous 5th Symphony.”
