On Saturday, I walked into Austin Java on 2nd Street, ’bout to get my omelet on. Chillaxin. There I was, standing in line, just looking around, and I realize that every piece of art work on the walls is making an impact on me.
A flyer taped to the wall explained most of the artwork was by Mike Johnston. Life surprised me with these paintings. All of them bringing a smile to my face. They put a skip into my step. 14 pieces in total. Each is repurposed scrap wood.
I purchased every piece in the store.
I couldn’t carry everything home, so I walked home beaming at my purchase, and returned later to pick up my treasure.
“Street art” is one of my favorite visual mediums. Bold, unexpected, high-contrast, ironic, symbolic, stylized, comical, etc. Some of my favorite “public art” is found on the Lady Bird Lake train overpass, the Lamar underpass, the wall on Castle Hill, the wall on E 5th Street near Saltillo Station.
I’ve seen Exit Through The Gift Shop, and am basically familiar with the work of Shepard Fairey and Banksy. Which makes me no more than a casual fan of a couple of notable artists.
I didn’t know about Mike until walking into Austin Java, and that’s part of what made this such a nice discovery. I’m excited to have a collection of local art work that totally vibes with me. I look at it and smile.
As I research and learn more about Mike and his work the more happy I am to be the newest host of these paintings – which will probably be on the walls of our soon-to-be-redone office (you should stop by in a few weeks to check it out). Until then, check out more of Mike’s work here.
http://www.offthawalls.blogspot.com
-Jude
Mike D. is the Truth! His visions and love for the arts is out of this world! He will be enshrined w/greatness very soon!
I am so envious/jealous of that “it’s on” painting; Saw the banksy mocumentary years ago as well 😀
JZ, when I get this hung on the wall, you’ve got to come by the new office digs
Sure thing Jude; p.s. i met with MIke; commissioned a custom 😀
That’s awesome!
“One thing I hope to be true about my art is that it brings a smile.” – Mike
That it did! Thanks for sharing that DAB. =)
MikeD’s got talent…Its been fun to see his growth since the days when he was a college roommate. His favorite day of the month was bulk trash day. He gives real life meaning to the phrase “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”