Michael Sweere is a Minneapolis based artist who creates lovely mosaics and sculptures out of discarded objects like packaging materials, glass, stones, tins or just anything that would be a perfect fit for his artwork. His artwork has appeared in numerous publications such as Art and Antiques, galleries and private collections. He is also an active member of Pilot Arts Group.

"Creating a thought-provoking image (art?) from items that were meant to be thrown away is very rewarding. And yes, the images that I create are sort of how I see the world. Or, at least how I've seen the world. The bright colors of some of my packaging mosaics bring back memories of toy stores or candy counters when I was a little kid. Maybe it is a bit ironic that my paper mosaics (especially the landscapes) depict trees—the natural resource from which paper packaging comes. Once a tree, still a tree", says Michael Sweere.

We contacted Michael for a small interview with us to know a lot more about him and his artwork. Lets read what he has to share with us in the interview below:

Michael, please introduce yourself to E-junkies.

My name is Michael Sweere. I live in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I'm a visual artist and I work with many mediums.

Enlighten us with your wonderful artwork. What materials do you use for creating such appealing work?

Most of my creations are constructed from recycled or salvaged materials. Some of my favorites to work with are: ceramic tile, glass, stone, tin and wood.

How long have you been creating mosaics? When did you realise that you're an artist?

I've been building mosaics for about 15 years. I started to draw when I was really little, maybe three years old.

What made you choose discarded objects as medium for your artwork? What do you like the most about using such objects?

Up until about five years ago, I worked as an art director for several advertising agencies in Minneapolis. Most of the client accounts that I worked on during my commercial career were food related. Consequently, I always had lots of food packaging samples in my office. Cereal boxes, frozen pizza packages, floor displays for grocery stores, banners, posters etc...Anyway, all this stuff was constantly getting updated and the old version would just get tossed in the trash. I was interested in making mosaics and thought that these discarded, advertising-objects would be an ideal medium to cut-apart and learn the basic mosaic process. It was relatively easy to work with, provided lots of color variations and most important - it was free. Since then, I've taught myself how (mostly through reading and experimenting) to work with many non-traditional mediums.

What influences your artwork? Is there anyone whom you idolize or draw inspiration from?

With the mediums that I work with, probably the strongest influence for me has to be chance, or the unpredictable - I never know what I'm going to come across. It's kind of a back-and forth thing. Sometimes I get a "big idea" that I want to create in a particular medium. So, I'll go out searching thrift stores and garage sales looking for objects to create this "big idea". Other times I'll come across an object, or a friend or relative will give me something to use and then the"big idea" comes to me. As far as artists that I admire, there's so many! Here are only a few - just the tip of the iceberg. The Wyeth Family, in particular, Andrew Wyeth. The Reverend Howard Finster. Louise Comfort Tiffany. Jean-Michel Basquiat. The Group of Seven (a bunch of Canadian landscape painters from the early 1900's).

Do you remember your first creation? When and what was it?

When I knew? My mom taught me how to draw a rabbit when I was three or four - I remember thinking that it was pretty good. When I was in first grade, I used to draw dinosaurs for other kids. One time when I was in fourth grade I was supposed to write an essay about what I did over winter holiday break from classes. I drew a picture of "The Creature from the Black Lagoon", because, that's what I learned how to do over the school break. I thought the teacher would love it and appreciate the details. She didn't. I had to erase the picture, plus re-do the assignment.

Which creation of yours is the most special to you? And why?

I guess almost every project I start seems like it's my favorite at the time. I get pretty wrapped-up in the process. My favorite works that I've done over the years are the sketchbooks I've kept. I have a bunch of watercolor and pencil sketchbooks filled with drawings and paintings of people I've met and places I've been. Whenever I dig them out, (I use them for reference frequently) I'm reminded of past memories. It's so much better than looking at old photographs, I seem to remember so much more about the experience and the particular "atmosphere" at the time.

You've created some stunning landscapes! Are you a nature lover?

I love nature and it's a huge inspiration for me. Not only in a creative sense, but also mentally, physically, and spiritually. I have two dogs that I walk everyday along The Mississippi River - I love watching the constant seasonal changes in the environment/ecosystem.

I loved your 'Boughaus' creation. I would love to learn more about it.

"Boughaus" is a collage of two or three tin objects that were cut-apart (with a tin snips) and nailed to a plywood panel to make a new image. If I remember correctly, it was created from an old TV tray, a Swedish cookie tin and an old tea canister. The word "Boughaus" is a dumb play on words. "Bough", like a pine tree branch, and Haus" - house. (and "Bauhaus" - like the art movement).

Is there any dream project of yours?

A dream project? I don't know, I've had some pretty sweet assignments already. Maybe something for the National Parks someday. I've slowly been exploring America's National Parks - it's been incredible and humbling at the same time. I've been to about ten of them, and later this year it's going to be Yellowstone and The Grand Tetons. My favorite (so far) has been The Grand Canyon in Arizona.

Many artists would draw inspiration from you! What message do you for them?

Create things that make you happy. And, (this is the tricky part) create things that make others happy too. Once you find the right balance, (it's different for everyone) you'll do well.

Michael, thanks for taking the time for such a wonderful interview. We wish you all the very best!

Visit his website at MichaelSweereMosaic.com.

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