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

Hi Mike, how do you think about risk?
I would not be where I am today if I hadn’t been open to taking risks. I watched my parents struggle and work jobs that were not fulfilling to them. I decided early on in my life that I would try to do exactly what I wanted to do, no matter what, and see what happened. I imagined the worst case scenario to be that I would try to live life my way, and if things didn’t work out I would end up getting a job anyway, so I might as well try things my way first. Throughout my career, I’ve always taken on projects that seem scary and feel way out of my comfort zone, and they always work out. Taking risks professionally has pushed me to do things that I wouldn’t think were possible and forced me to grow.

A great example is the first large scale book installation that I created for Rice Gallery at Rice University. The gallery curator at the time saw a small book piece I had on display at BLK/MKT Gallery in Culver City, CA. She contacted me to see if I would come do a larger piece at Rice. I had never done a book piece larger than ten books before. But I thought that it sounded like an interesting idea. So they flew me out to Texas to take a look at the space they had in mind. I called my wife that night freaking out to tell her that the wall they wanted for the installation was 17 feet high by 44 feet wide. All I could think was, “What the hell did I get myself into?” I ended up doing a piece that consisted of over 5,000 books. If I hadn’t taken the risk, I wouldn’t have explored creating large book installations.

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.
I’ve been a practicing artist for almost my entire adult life. I’m a self-taught artist known for my small and large book installations and pieces, however I also am a painter and muralist. I’ve worked tirelessly during my career, rarely taking breaks and always thinking about what I want to do next. I try to spend some time each day engaged in creative practices, whether it’s creating visual art, music, making books with my kids, or playing in the garden. It helps my brain stay engaged. It hasn’t been easy to do this. Even when I’m on vacation, I’m always feeling the pull towards wanting to create art or I’m coming up with ideas for what I want to do next. It’s ever present in my mind and it’s hard to free up my mind from that or to relax sometimes. One thing I’ve learned about the art world is that you have to stay present and engaged. It moves at an extremely fast pace and you need to keep up with that. Creating art and pursuing a career in art requires full commitment and a strong belief in yourself because it’s not an easy road to take.

I find creative inspiration in many places, mainly music and narratives, which is one of the reasons why I’m so attracted to working on books — in particular those that have had previous homes and lives.  In addition to the story that a book tells on its pages, I also love imagining the journey that it has experienced.  Sometimes even the book title itself will be the thing that sparks an idea for me.  I find that when I am emotionally connecting with my work that it seems to resonate with others, and that is very meaningful to me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When people visit who don’t live in LA, they always want go see the tourist sites — but those aren’t the place I would ever want to go to. I live outside the city in the foothills in a really beautiful place and only venture into the city if necessary. I used to be all about living in the city and did so for many years and now I really value being close to nature. So, given that, I would take them hiking in the San Gabriel Mountains because I can’t believe that exists so close to LA. It’s beautiful. I would definitely take them to go see music at a smaller venue in the city. There are some little local pubs and dive bars in my neighborhood that I’d take them to. I try to avoid all touristy spots in general – they aren’t really my thing. I’m probably not the best person to show someone around LA! I was born and raised in the LA area so it’s not as exciting for me.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Public libraries deserve a major shoutout for me. They have been huge supporters and donors of the books I use for my pieces. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to create my installations. Dave Kinsey and the folks at BLK/MKT Gallery were instrumental in supporting my career and I’m hugely grateful for them. Also, Kim Davenport and everyone who was at Rice Gallery in Houston, TX., during that time. They bought the idea of doing large scale work and gave me the opportunity to do that.

Website: https://www.mikestilkey.com

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

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

Image Credits
Please credit Mike Stilkey for all photos

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