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THE FOREVER
BURNING DESIRE OF
MICHAEL HAYDEN

by Dale Youngman


“Every painting tells a story. I spend a lot of time near the ocean, studying colors and shapes from the sea to sky. I find endless inspiration in the horizon line. The found objects attached with wire or resin and embedded in beeswax are integral in the creation of my trademark encaustic, mixed-media horizon line paintings. I like to imagine that repurposing salvaged artifacts, like wood, metal, vintage hardware, and crystals preserve memories of the past. My unusual titles are my way of starting a conversation and inviting the viewer to find a personal connection to each one of my creations.”

Los Angeles-based painter Michael Hayden is as colorful, complex, and multi-layered as the striking artwork he creates. Masterfully using melted beeswax combined with pigments, oils, and resins to create colorful and luminous paintings, his use of found objects brings an unexpected sculptural quality to his undeniably beautiful and contemporary artwork. Featured in numerous tv shows and films as well as HGTV, IMAX, and renowned design magazines Elle and Modern Luxury Interiors, his paintings are also collected by several famous Hollywood names.

His intense interest in burning things came at an early age. As a young child visiting his grandmother in Blytheville Arkansas, Michael was quite taken with the preferred method of trash disposal there – namely, barrel burning. As the story is told, he liked to experiment with fire, to see how different things burned or melted. Once, he accidentally set fire to the interior of his parent’s new car while using the cigarette lighter to burn the comic section of the Sunday paper. Lucky for him, Michael’s uncle was in the car upholstery business! These days he has translated his obsession into encaustic painting, an ancient method of melting beeswax with pigment. This painting technique originated in Greece in 5 BC for painting warships and gets its name from the Greek word “enkaustikos” meaning "to heat" or "to burn.” The use of tools such as a torch or heat gun are necessary to fuse multiple layers of wax one to another. Encaustic art is one of the most archival methods of painting known to man, as pigments suspended in beeswax will never fade.

Being mostly self-taught, Hayden draws inspiration from artists Jasper Johns, Rothko and Richard Diebenkorn among others. Hayden’s trademark technique explores the use of color field and built-up texture, melting color upon color, to create a depth of complex colors and tones. When combined with his interest in preserving found objects usually embedded in a horizon line, his work invokes both a nostalgic and contemplative mood. Collecting his found objects from thrift shops, trash heaps, even the streets following major storms, each artwork has a backstory, as every object is re-loved and reinterpreted into a new object of beauty.

“I’m always finding old pieces of wood with faded paint, scrap metal pieces, and other cast-off objects that have been thrown away. I believe repurposing these objects into art is what gives my paintings their soul.”

Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Michael moved to New York City in 1986. Like many 20-somethings trying to survive in an expensive city, it wasn't long before he began searching for a way to make extra money. Michael started a small business painting apartments. Soon, he was getting requests for decorative paint finishes, which he found to be enjoyable as well as lucrative. Eventually, he apprenticed with a well-known NYC faux finish artist on a number of residential and commercial projects. With a goal to hone his painting skills, Michael moved to the San Francisco Bay Area where he enrolled at The Day Studio. There he studied color theory and a variety of decorative painting techniques with renowned artist and teacher JoAnne Day. Before long, he had re-established himself there in a successful painting business.

By 1995, his transition into a career as a fine artist was well under way. Pigment-infused beeswax became his medium of choice, and he spent many hours studying and perfecting the technique. Eventually, materials like burlap, cheesecloth, metallic leaf, glass, wood, vintage hardware, and an endless array of found objects began making their way into his mixed-media creations. This started a process that would become the foundation for his signature style of original fine art that has continued into the present day. Scores of group and solo shows have followed internationally, and his work now hangs in significant collections nationwide. But another idea was percolating, and in Nov. 2019, Michael Hayden Art & Living opened in a huge new space not far from the busy Culver City Arts District.

“When a real estate agent showed me the raw space (at 4413 West Jefferson Blvd.) I knew right away that it would be perfect! The space was a blank canvas, but had great bones, including a soaring bow and truss ceiling and loads of space for a large gallery and working studio space as well. I could see tons of potential! I said yes right away, and we set to work separating the space with supersize hanging walls, creating a kitchen and bar area, and a beautiful back garden which is perfect for entertaining.”

But after a terrific grand opening event where 6 paintings were sold, the pandemic hit. A forced shutdown followed, and many businesses went under. But Hayden had a plan for an eventual re-opening, and once again, reinvented his business. Now operating as Michael Hayden Gallery, he curates his own work into thematic group shows along with other talented local artists. Bringing in other artists is a win for everyone, as they get increased exposure, and also introduce his location to new followers and clients.

“I’m not gonna lie, it’s been tough. In the beginning, we all thought it was just a temporary thing. But, as the days turned into weeks and then months, it has become apparent we are dealing with a new reality. At first, I just planned on creating a lot of new work, but the slow-down of business has become a bit depressing, and I am often distracted. Somedays I plan to paint, but instead I read, nap, meditate or work on projects fixing up the studio and garden. Luckily, I have a good base of collectors and potential new clients who have continued to follow and support my work. Eventually, when things start improving with COVID restrictions, I’ll start having shows again. I have some great ideas for concepts for group shows and have been experimenting with a new direction for my own work too. There’s a lot more to come. On the other hand, my husband and I are contemplating a move to Spain. It’s always been a dream of ours to live there, so I’m thinking Michael Hayden Gallery Valencia? I like the sound of that!” 

Although there are many people who would be sad to see the current location close, a future visit to Spain just became a bit more enticing!

To see and purchase Michael’s art from the comfort of your own home, please Click Here to visit this online gallery where much of his work is currently available.

_________________________________

Author Dale Youngman is an independent art curator, fine art dealer, marketing consultant and art writer, working to facilitate the flow of art in Southern California. She currently consults with artists, galleries, interior designers, non-profits, and a new art platform to advance business for everyone in the art world. She has twice been honored by the LA Mayor’s Office with “Certificates of Recognition“ for her many years of art advocacy. Find Dale at her website.

 

 

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