Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Shores and Angela Mark.
Michael and Angela, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Immediately after meeting we became romantic and creative partners. We began doing spontaneous and experimental drawings. Employing surrealistic techniques such as using one’s less dominate hand, blindfolds and working in a dark room with only a single red or blue light we began scratching out our new language. We became as artistic children again.
Next came American Living, at first a monthly then quarterly digest of visual imagery, whose purpose was to expand the “readers” mindset and break down the very notion of what constitutes a magazine. It began its six-year run on an old mimeograph machine we had obtained and we gave the issues away for free.
Shortly thereafter we switched to Xerox and it ended up being in museum collections such as The Victoria and Albert Museum in London and The Museum of Fine Arts Boston. Almost all of the issues had themes such as Evolution and Extinction, School, Travel and the Elements (Earth, Air, Fire and Water). We incorporated one of a kind techniques such as hand die cuts, coloring and folds to push the magazine’s envelope to the limit.
Our artwork began to be used for covers and illustrations for various publications and we corresponded and collaborated with artists, writers and poets from all around the world. The next project we were involved in was 88 Room, an art gallery in Allston, which we founded with fellow artist Andrew Guthrie. We also formed several musical groups at this time performing neo-psychedelic instrumentals of a raw variety. We were trying to do with music the same thing we had done with our art.
Finally, we began to pursue painting careers both individually and in collaboration.
Our work continues to be exhibited and used as illustration and covers for books, records and CDs. Our collaborative series of paintings The Bizarre World of Kinky Sex won an award and was featured in the book The World’s Best Erotic Art of Today.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The greatest obstacle we encountered was one that a multitude of artists face, namely balancing creative pursuits while maintaining financial stability. It seems to be approaching a time where only the wealthy can seriously have a hand in the art world.
The pay to play syndrome which plagues writers, artists and musicians has drawbacks, which threaten creative people seeking to unflinchingly hone their craft.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Sharkart Studios – what should we know?
Basically, we are fine artists whose art is utilized in a commercial format. We have both done illustrative work from time to time but feel the greatest satisfaction when a piece of our art which was created independently is used for a commercial purpose. We thus balance the worlds of art and commerce in a harmonious fashion.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
It is probably our ability to persevere in the face of adversity. We have always strived to explore new opportunities to exhibit our art, be published and perform music. The formula seems to have worked, we have always remained quite busy and productive.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sharkartstudios.com
- Phone: 617.505.0994
- Email: sharkart@earthlink.net
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=sharkart%20studios
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