I’ve had to restructure my website and decided to remove a few pieces of work in order to focus on my professional material. It was a difficult decision, but as a marketing professional, I could not maximize the value of my website without doing so.

Also, in a few short weeks, I will be adding additional photography and graphic work. If you would like to see what is on the boards regarding my artwork, feel free to leave a message at my website (4knorth.com).

Enjoy the remaining few days of 08′ and see you in 2009!

Name, Age, Location?
Jamie Michael, 30, Portland, ME

What is your typical day?

I like to start my day with a tall cup of coffee. Once caffeine levels are reached, search through emails and run a few errands, then venture into work mode. Although, this mode doesn’t take long; I’m pretty much ready to go once I’m awake.

What media & medium is used in your work?

Right now I’ve been focusing on using Acrylic on board and canvas. Typically I like to take my time before I switch to a new form. I’ve been exploring oils, but haven’t completely bought into idea of fully submersing myself into the new medium.

Where do you show your art?

To date, I’ve been actively seeking space. New York City has been extending a number of offers and have been in talks. We will know more in the coming months, once logistics are figured.

How do you go about completing a piece?

Typically begin with a sketch, or rummaging through old sketchbooks for inspiration.  Occasionally I will read books, periodicals or watch documentary to find my path. Once I’ve determined the message, I might draw directly on the media (canvas, board), which helps to determine direction. From there I zone out and don’t stop till I’m at a point of satisfaction.

Funny you mention completion, how do you know when a piece is completed?

I really don’t. I always see something I would like to change. The greatest asset is to know when to walk. Over these past few months, I’ve become more aware of this. Yet, it’s been something in constant state of work; is can be exhausting.

I’ve noticed a number of photographs on your website. Is this something you intended to persue?

I sort of fell into photography due to graphic work. Felt stock photos are great for meeting tight deadlines, but if you have the time, why not take yourself. So, I read acouple of books and set off.

Have you considered working on a commission basis?

I do and look forward to working with clients regarding their vision and the message they want to convey. The creative process is always different and interesting when your trying to accomplish a collective goal. 

Did you attend Art School?

I did not. However, I have been educated in formal setting and hold a graphics degree from an institution in Chicago. While trying to earn my marketing degree, I’ve always been sketching and found it was my release from corporate stress. My college art professor was a big fan and encouraged me when ever I was in a receptive state. I finally listen to his kind words and here I am today.

Is any of your art for sale?

I do have a number of pieces for sale and if someone has an interest, they can contact me through my website (4knorth.com) or email (Studio4KNorth@yahoo.com).

Prints will also be available in the coming months once a suitable vendor is located.
How long has your studio been in existence?

The Studio is in its infancy. I’ve just returned to painting eight (8) months ago.  However, been graphic artist for the last four years.

What are the goals for your new space?

Since this is the first year, I’ve been completely focused on my art and the messages I want to convey. It has always been a dream to own a part of myself and the space allows for this. I want the space and the work to reflect my vision and the goals I’ve establish early on.  My immediate goals are to gain more exposure, find another gallery to show my work and search for collaborators in the fall.
I’m hoping to get prints completed and to have a few other projects completed before the year is over.

Lately I’ve been focusing and working the concept of three. The idea is to communicate my work is acompact manner and to build my creative base. I would love to add image, however the website is unable to provide quality service. I’ll have to get back to you.  In the mean time, click the link and view my work.  (http://4knorth.com)

 

 

Few days ago, my sister informed of my father recent activities on his farm located in Central Maine. So, we decided to head to Bowdionham(Maine) and I grabbed my camera to see what we could capture. Video and additional images can bee seen at the following:

Images: http://www.myspace.com/4knorth

Video: http://rightyjamiemichael.blogspot.com/

During the day, I had been surprised to discover the goats upfront curiosity and soon realized each carried a very distinct personality. I soon found myself enjoying thier company and spent a long time inside the confounds of their environment. Below is a link to a short video and, as stated above, additional photos are available for viewing at my website

 

   Copyright 2008 Jamie Michael all rights reserved 

 

Background Info:

Few weeks ago I had the opportunity to help my father on his farm (non-profit) that is located in Maine. He had an unfortunate accident and broke a few ribs, which provided me with a three week introduction into farming. He raises two breeds, Boer’s and kiko’s, and the herd has grown exponentially to something larger than initially envisioned. The following is a link to my fathers (Dean Beckwith’s website: http://adeccap.net/). There, you can find additional information of regarding the breed and the farm he shares.

 

Today was a typical morning, coffee, then check email, surf fantasy sports teams and see what’s new with the world. I’ve stalled with completing my work, distractions have come in many different forms, but i’m back on track.

This morning, I’ve been able to update my website (http://4knorth.com) with finished works, i.e. paintings, graphic work, etc. 

This work is tight and like the composition of each character. Thought I would give an opportunity to check out.

Enjoy.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cherrilakey/sets/72157604107871247/

I was enjoying a quiet evening sketching a few tattoo ideas for a friend/client. Suddenly, a local nightly news station breezed by an issue surrounding local ordinances and freedom of business. It entails a local governing body pushing for further regulation of current future tattoo palors. I had missed a few details and sought further information. I stumbled upon this article, which outlines both parties standing on this issue.

 You’d have to question the legality of this ’subjective scrutiny’. I’ve returned to Maine only to rediscovered nothing has changed.   

Brief Summary

Tattoo parlors could face added scrutiny
By Leslie Bridgers
Reporter-American

WESTBROOK (March 13, 2008): A new ordinance under consideration in Westbrook would prevent people who have committed crimes of “moral turpitude” and those who might be “likely to cause a breach of peace” from running tattoo parlors. 

The proposed restrictions have the owner of the only tattoo parlor in the city feeling singled out.

The draft is based on the city’s massage therapy ordinance, which requires that massage therapists acquire a special license from the city to run their business. The ability to acquire and maintain a license, which would cost $100, is subject to several standards in the proposed ordinance.

The City Council last discussed the tattoo ordinance in January 2007 per a request by Paul McCarthy, the police chief at the time. Council President Brendan Rielly had asked that the issue be re-visited at a Committee of the Whole meeting Monday.

In the ordinance drafted, the list of crimes an applicant may not commit within 10 years of obtaining a tattoo license include drug offenses, sex offenses, assault, terrorizing and criminal threatening.

Once an application is received, the city is required to investigate the applicant’s business reputation and moral character “to the extent necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare.”

The Committee of the Whole voted 4-2 to refer the ordinance to the City Council, with Councilors Drew Gattine and Aube opposed.

I’ve been spending the past two day’s bouncing around the pages of fabchannel.com (http://www.fabchannel.com) where the music has been tight.  I’ve been able to find a few artist I’ve come to enjoy such as; Xavier Rudd, Bloc Party and The Whip.   

The website touches a number of genre’s and appears to have bands for every music lover. Recently, I’ve become a Xavier Rudd fan and was fortunate to locate a few prerecorded shows with fabchannel.com.  I quickly created an account and have not been dissapointed. 
 

03.06.2008 – Works

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Thursday, March 6th, 2008 at 7:34pm

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Over the last two weeks I’ve spend 95% of my time repairing my sisters computer. Evidently, she didn’t have the proper virus protection and I was surfing around trying to find CCS info when a worm infiltrated and buried it’s ugly head into a software. Long story short, the virus was not your typical run of the mill. In fact, I had to surf around and download a number of softwares in order to reverse its effects. So, today was the first day back on the horse. I’m working diligently to finalize my pieces before I open a studio location. I know, I know, It seems I have more ideas than time and continue to promise additional works.I thank those who continue to visit my site and support me and I’ll keep you posted.

02.27.2008 Works

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Thursday, February 28th, 2008 at 9:05am

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I’ve recently removed a few pieces to make way for additional works. I am concerned about the current quality of my work being shown and want to refocus on my goals for the site.Check out my ‘links’ for additional locations of my work and post comments.

02.05.2008: New Works

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Tuesday, February 5th, 2008 at 9:15pm

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New paintings are coming soon. I’m tightening up the a few pieces in hopes to have completed before March.Also, I’ve had an opportunity to upload recent graphic works and photo’s.

Thanks for support.

01.29.2008: Busy Day of Celebration

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Tuesday, January 29th, 2008 at 1:01pm

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Today is my Ol’ Man’s Birthday. He’s a year older and i’m a year wiser.Didn’t have time today to develop photo’s, but did manage to sqeeze time in for ‘Flower Study’. Check out the ‘photography’ section to view the shots.

Enjoy!

01.05.2008: The New Year Resolution

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Friday, November 16th, 2007 at 10:31pm

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Alright, so i’ve stated for a few weeks (months) that I will be posting additional material on my website. Well its going to have to wait. Will be relocating to New England for a few. Will have additional materials in the new year.Thanks for the support and patience with me; it will be worth the wait.

10.15.2007: SoapBox

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Thursday, September 13th, 2007 at 10:53am

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As you know, being an recognized artist isn’t an overnight event. It will need some coaxing from you to ensure people know my work. It’s time to show the world what you’re talking about.Ways to contribute to success:

1. Word of mouth is powerful. Toss the links around and talk with people you know. Send the word out.
2. Develop a link to my page. Its not going to change, just the content.
3. Write reviews, blog about me, or drop a line.

If you want to keep up to speed with latest events/arts/friends, join me at this location or myspace.com/4knorth.com.

09.25.2007: New Location

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Tuesday, September 11th, 2007 at 3:55pm

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Another location has been added to the expanding list of locations. As you maybe aware, myspace has been running. Now, I would like to introduce you to another site to the family; deviantart.com.Here you will have the ability to purchase varying sized prints for your bare walls. The site is not fully launched, however will have material(s) loaded within the coming days.

http://jamiemichael.deviantart.com/

08.28.2007: My New for week of…

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Thursday, September 6th, 2007 at 3:55pm

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08.28.2007A long time coming, but the time has finally arrived…

I will be posting select painting within a weeks time. The process has been long and arduous due to full-time work.

Those who have become my ‘fans’, you will be first to receive emails once the posting process has begun.

Thanks for patience and the support throughout this process.

Sharing of Ideas

Today is the day we begin a new site.

 I’ve spent the last few months in Maine trying to finish my work and to spend time with  my family. I’ve worked deligently to produce what I believe to be a few pieces of viewing pleasure. I would say they’ve tapped my inner thoughts and quietly addressed the world around me.  I will have more work on my website and additional photo’s of these works on this site within the coming weeks.