Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Leaf.
Hi Michael, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
This is always such a difficult question for me to answer. I feel our stories, as individuals, are so complex and organically integrated into our actions, it is hard to really identify where it begins..My story as an artist began I’d say when I was searching for what to do after quitting being a professional extreme rollerblader from the identifiable age of 15-20 years. After I realized that path was no longer who I was supposed to be, at least in that capacity, I turned to the study and practice of Yoga. This was a multi-year experience, which lead to the passionate decision I wanted to pursue becoming a teacher. While I was in the process of that, I encountered a dream. (quick back story-I have always been EXTREMELY in tune with my dreams. Enough so, I truly believe I remember every dream I have ever had that I remember having. My dreams have increasingly become my beacons of truth and guidance. The more I focus them, the stronger they present and the realer they become.). Now back to the story….I had a dream I was walking through a home and saw an artwork on a wall. The artwork was roughly 18″ x 18″ square, made of metal and had a hand print cut and pulled forward. In the negative space of the hand, it was a portal looking into the cosmos of outer space. I remember saying in the dream, “you need to remember this, wake up and go make it.” I woke myself up and the time was 3:23 am. Being a virgo and early riser by nature I cannot fall back asleep. Now jog shuttle a little to the left……My family has been in the steel industry for nearly 50 years at that point. They have what I describe as an outdoor Home Depot sized space in Chula Vista, focused only on metal and surplus. Now back to me waking up….I went down to their business at 8am when they opened and said I had a dream and wanted to try something. With their support they said, “go ahead and go figure it out”. I proceeded to find a piece of metal, much like the dream, figured out how to use the torch, traced my hand print, cut it out and placed a mirrored behind the negative space. I knew in that exact moment I was destined to work with metal for the rest of my life. Fast forward, we are recognizable 20 years from that moment. In that time I have had a such a wonderful collection of projects and more importantly gathered the most organic collection of beautiful, shining, wonderful humans that have inspired and supported what I do. It has been 20 years, I suppose, but it doesn’t even feel like I have started……
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Again, a very difficult question to answer. LOL. Yes of course there have been struggles along my journey. Two times specifically I remember asking myself, while sobbing in tears not knowing what was going to happen, “what else would you go do? In those moments, my inner voice responded instantly and without quiver “There is NOTHING else you were meant to do. This is your path, you have to trust in it”. I feel my journey is NO DIFFERENT than whomever may be reading this, truly. We ALL encounter the same range of emotions: loss, gains, love, light, would haves….could haves…..should haves………etc. Please understand I am not claiming my personal journey or anyone’s journey is better or worse, equal or different. I am stating, we all have the same tools within us to experience a vast array of emotions at EXTREME different values sets to each individual. An artist’s role, is simply putting those emotions/experiences into an observable spectrum using a one of the focused human senses.
Soooooo…..now that I have rambled a little lol….My greatest struggle, until maybeeeeee 3 years ago, was learning what sense of existence to lead from and how. My conclusion, that I believe is the highest value answer, “to use my creativity in every capacity from: thinking, designing, organizing, connecting, simply existing to help my fellow humans have tools of growth, love, compassion, empathy and create artworks/projects that develop these vibrations in future generations.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Michael Leaf Design?
My focus has always been to translate whatever vision or message I am being given into a work of art. I have realized these visions are categorized into two realms…..One is what I call “free thinking art” meaning their entire creation came only from my mind and my influence. Two, the other side of my world is collaborative works, meaning I work with: collectors, groups, foundations, governments, organizations, businesses, cities, museums, animal shelters, film festivals, auto shows, safe houses, Autism foundations, new papers, etc. to listen and develop a project that reflects the energy of the entity I’m working with. I have no specific target I aim for; I have learned to allow the frequency of the universe to aliign those I am destined to work with while I am here as a human. I have always said, “Everything has already happened, we are just catching up to it.”
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
This is such a tailored question….Some individuals work well alone, figuring things out by themselves. Others are the immense opposite. I am naturally the first; but have learned to embrace the second. I feel this approach strengthens both perspectives. Conclusion, first start with your most natural strength, develop that and expand with confidence in your morals and values. From there you can add or subtract characteristics to sharpen your greatest tool, your heart quickly followed by your mind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.michaelleafdesign.com
- Instagram: michaelleafdesign
- Facebook: Michael Leaf or Michael Leaf Design
