Painting the Town Red with Mike Murdock
by Adam Dorobiala [adam@slugmag.com]
Issue 239 / November 2008 More from this Issue
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Photos by Adam Dorobiala
Mike Murdock has been one of the hardcore local skateboarders for quite some timenow, and most people don’t know that behind the skateboard legend there is also anartist in his persona. Recently married, he paints, draws and makes art on a regularbasis, depending on his work schedule at the airport, and is definitely an unrecognizedforce in the art scene of Salt Lake. Mike took some time out his hectic schedule to obligeSLUG with some details into his inspirations and influences in his life of art.
SLUG: How does such a class act artist, such as yourself, stay under the radar so wellin these times of fast paced internet society? Do you have stealth bomber art technologyleased out from the guys at the airport or are you just naturally super stealthy about yourartwork?
Mike: I don’t know if I’d call it stealth, it’s definitely not intentional. In fact, it positivelytickles me pink being able to share my art with others. I guess I’ve always been just a littlereluctant (whether it be art, skateboarding, or anything else for that matter) to hype myselfup. I’d rather just do my own thing and if someone happens to be stoked on what I amdoing, well… then that’s just pure awesome and we can make it from there.
SLUG: Your style on a skateboard and in painting is definitely very original. One mustinquire as where your influences are coming from? I’m talkin’ both art forms: painting andskateboarding.
Mike: Skating, I have always looked up to all the dudes in the old Dirty Hessian videos,and growing up I would watch Welcome To Hell about twice a day. Those videos alwaysgot me really pumped, but the two people that influenced me the most were Andy Pittsand Shane Justus, hands down. Top-notch rippers right there. And art stuffs, well …I always get really stoked when I see random funny shit like wieners, boobs and cusswords drawn in completely random places. I am also a big fan of "Hobo Streaks" andtattoo art. Oh, and Bob Ross.
SLUG: It seems like you should have board graphics on some major bigwig skateboardcompany’s wood out there. What’s the deal? Have you ever been approached by anyoneabout making designs for their company?
Mike: No, but that’s something I’ve always wanted to do. Skate graphicswere one of the first things I can remember seeing that made me want tostart drawing. The ones I am most psyched on right now are the super old,fluorescent pink and green, flaming skulls and guts type boards that were big inthe ‘80s. Those were so totally effing rad.
SLUG: What about exhibits in Salt Lake? Any galleries booking you out rightnow, or are you booked so far in advance that they can’t get you to show yourwork til 2012?
Mike: I’ve done a couple of group shows here and there, and I had someboards at the UNK Gallery (R.I.P) but that’s about it. I have my first solo showbooked for next June at nobrow. It should be rad, I’m pretty excited about it.
SLUG: Obviously your painting is a hobby but have you ever wanted only to pursueyour dreams of becoming the next Dali or Sieben?
Mike: Oh shit yes! Being able to turn something you love doing into a way of makingends meet is pretty much best case scenario in my eyes. So I’m always keeping an eyeout for any such opportunity, I will definitely have to work on my mustache to get to Dalistatus though.
Mike Murdock has been one of the hardcore local skateboarders for quite some timenow, and most people don’t know that behind the skateboard legend there is also anartist in his persona. Recently married, he paints, draws and makes art on a regularbasis, depending on his work schedule at the airport, and is definitely an unrecognizedforce in the art scene of Salt Lake. Mike took some time out his hectic schedule to obligeSLUG with some details into his inspirations and influences in his life of art.
SLUG: How does such a class act artist, such as yourself, stay under the radar so wellin these times of fast paced internet society? Do you have stealth bomber art technologyleased out from the guys at the airport or are you just naturally super stealthy about yourartwork?
Mike: I don’t know if I’d call it stealth, it’s definitely not intentional. In fact, it positivelytickles me pink being able to share my art with others. I guess I’ve always been just a littlereluctant (whether it be art, skateboarding, or anything else for that matter) to hype myselfup. I’d rather just do my own thing and if someone happens to be stoked on what I amdoing, well… then that’s just pure awesome and we can make it from there.
SLUG: Your style on a skateboard and in painting is definitely very original. One mustinquire as where your influences are coming from? I’m talkin’ both art forms: painting andskateboarding.
Mike: Skating, I have always looked up to all the dudes in the old Dirty Hessian videos,and growing up I would watch Welcome To Hell about twice a day. Those videos alwaysgot me really pumped, but the two people that influenced me the most were Andy Pittsand Shane Justus, hands down. Top-notch rippers right there. And art stuffs, well …I always get really stoked when I see random funny shit like wieners, boobs and cusswords drawn in completely random places. I am also a big fan of "Hobo Streaks" andtattoo art. Oh, and Bob Ross.
SLUG: It seems like you should have board graphics on some major bigwig skateboardcompany’s wood out there. What’s the deal? Have you ever been approached by anyoneabout making designs for their company?
Mike: No, but that’s something I’ve always wanted to do. Skate graphicswere one of the first things I can remember seeing that made me want tostart drawing. The ones I am most psyched on right now are the super old,fluorescent pink and green, flaming skulls and guts type boards that were big inthe ‘80s. Those were so totally effing rad.
SLUG: What about exhibits in Salt Lake? Any galleries booking you out rightnow, or are you booked so far in advance that they can’t get you to show yourwork til 2012?
Mike: I’ve done a couple of group shows here and there, and I had someboards at the UNK Gallery (R.I.P) but that’s about it. I have my first solo showbooked for next June at nobrow. It should be rad, I’m pretty excited about it.
SLUG: Obviously your painting is a hobby but have you ever wanted only to pursueyour dreams of becoming the next Dali or Sieben?
Mike: Oh shit yes! Being able to turn something you love doing into a way of makingends meet is pretty much best case scenario in my eyes. So I’m always keeping an eyeout for any such opportunity, I will definitely have to work on my mustache to get to Dalistatus though.
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Posted on August 25, 2009 by christian
good to see you my friend havent seen you since CONNECTIONS,hope your mom and sis are good!!! maybe we will run into each other somewhere someday!!!!!
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