Meet Michael Safran | Independent Fine Arts Professional

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Safran and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“If you follow your bliss, you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while, waiting for you, and the life that you ought to be living is the one you are living. Wherever you are — if you are following your bliss, you are enjoying that refreshment, that life within you, all the time… I say, follow your bliss and don’t be afraid, and doors will open where you didn’t know they were going to be.” –Joseph Campbell, Author

In regards to the work of the artist, I am most comfortable accepting myself, living in my own skin and being a channel of truth to my own experience and perspective. It is through being natural that I realize my personal bliss and find direction and meaning . It is not misguided bliss in that sense, although there is the risk of never being completely sure how the process will keep unfolding. The path of bliss is a feeling of confidence that I believe in and enjoy what I’m doing. The bliss of being myself also includes being engaged with and attentive to a greater inter-connection with nature and others. There is a real joy in being able to share and communicate.

What I like about following my natural bliss is that the possibilities are always expanding and evolving. My creative source is like the center of a wheel with spokes that reach out to all areas of life: literature, philosophy, history, science, nature and mythology. As the artist I seek nourishment and inspiration from the whole. The journey and process of learning and growing itself is the incentive for the art. My handmade acrylic paintings are the fruit of my attention and observation, but the roots of the bliss run much deeper.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My painting is intrinsically related to music as sound and rhythm help create the vision and movement. I believe the eyes and ears are close in communication. The paintings are compositions in a similar way as songs. There is a natural mathematic in music that lends itself well to patterns on the canvas. Artwork is mostly in the realm of feeling and the intuitive but I don’t try to separate the rational from it. The rational and intuitive can work together as harmonious and synergistic rather than opposed or conflicted.

I have heard of creativity being likened to some kind of disorder, but for myself it’s more in line with emotional healing and finding a sense of wellness and equanimity in a challenging world. I believe we are all as human beings unique expressions with a one of a kind perspective and imagination, but it takes gumption, sacrifice, courage, patience and practice to actually stand up in the creative individual, do the work, and put it out there. That is the challenge and it was never just easy for me. The biggest lesson is to not take it personally when someone doesn’t like me because there is no one size fits all path or artistic taste in life. There isn’t a lot of room for self-doubt but vulnerability can be a source of strength. As well accepting some of my limitations allows me to focus more on my strengths.

My creative journey is one forward step at a time. I’ve learned not to push too hard and just keep a steady pace or I risk burning out, but that doesn’t mean I don’t go the extra mile with something when called upon. I believe from experience that my walk leads somewhere in line with my internal bliss. I just keep doing my own personal best knowing I am on the right track. Where it is ultimately going isn’t as important as staying present with it. I’m always excited about the possibilities of going forward!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I foremost like living in Colorado because I love nature and a connection to the mountains. Rocky Mountain National Park is a must along with an abundant variety of nature areas and parks in the region including biking along the Poudre River Trail. In Windsor it’s nice to check out Boardwalk Park and take a walk around the lake. I wouldn’t miss the sculpture parks in Loveland and while there the Loveland Museum.

Fort Collins offers a plethora of good live music and art. Avogadro’s Number is great for real live music of all kinds. I will have a painting exhibit there in June. Coopersmiths Pub and Brewery is a local mainstay for something good to eat or drink. Some of my paintings are hanging there through the end of May. Also, the newly renovated Linden Street in Old Town is worth checking out. Stop into Art Lab Gallery and see what’s happening. I will be doing a retrospective exhibit there in July.

And finally, it’s worth a short drive to nearby Laporte to see the friendly Sanderosa Art Gallery featuring over 100 local artists in all mediums.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Thanks to all the genuine friends who have encouraged and stuck with me over the years, for the loving support of my family, and to all the good teachers in life.

Website: http://mjsaf.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael_j_safran

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjsaf

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MJSafran

Other: https://mjsafran.wordpress.com/