New & Upcoming Artist

I always knew my nephew, Mike DiSalvo, was into art at a very early age. What I didn't know was the amazing talent that he has. I was simply BLOWN away with his drawings and paintings that I saw for the first time this year. Now, you may be thinking I am biased, him being my nephew and all...... well, take a look for yourself:










With his busy schedule, I was able to catch-up with 19-yr. old Mike DiSalvo for a brief interview (via facebook, of course!).

1. Describe a typical day in the life of Mike DiSalvo.
A typical day for me starts early, I never really sleep in. When I'm not working or in class, I like to watch movies and hangout with my friends.

2. When did you start painting?
I started painting in early September of this year. I have always enjoyed drawing and decided to try painting and now I love it.

3. What drew you to this medium versus any others?
Painting has always interested me, but what really pushed me into trying it was visiting the Art Institute of Chicago Museum. I was blown away by all the paintings from great artist like Bazille, Monet, and Van Gogh. Van Gogh's self portrait is the greatest piece of art I have ever seen.

4. What inspires you and who are your influences?
Music and movies inspire me the most. If I like a bands music I'll put their songs on a loop and listen to it for hours while I paint something involving the band. I love to draw and paint peoples faces the most. I'm not sure why, but I just enjoy creating all the details in the face.

5. What do you do in your spare time besides paint?
In my spare time I love watching movies. I also enjoying hanging out with my friends and keeping active by playing different sports with them.

6. What are your favorite movies, music and food?
I love all different types of movies, but some of my favorites are Casino Royale, Desperado, Die Hard, The Professional, and Lost in Translation. My favorite bands are Muse, Coldplay, Mute Math, and U2. I pretty much like every food and love trying new ones, but by far my favorite is spicy chinese stir fry.

7. What are your plans with your artwork and where do you think it will take you?
Right now I'm going to Columbus State Community College for Audio/Video Production. I am hoping to someday become a movie director. Painting is just a hobby for me, but I would love to continue painting forever.

8. If you could have lunch with & pick the brain of any artist, living or dead, who would you choose and why?
If I could have lunch with any artist ever it would have to be with Salvado Dali. His paintings are so different and out of this world. They are almost like dreams or nightmares. I would like to try and understand how he came up with such unique ideas.

pictures above:
1. Bono
2. Brad Pitt (Benjamin Button)
3. Heath Ledger (The Joker)
4. Daniel Craig
5. Muse
6. Jean Reno (Leon - The Professional) (Mike's first painting)



Biased???? I think not!