Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Bevis.
Hi Michael, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been a creative person for most of my life, my mother was artistic so I guess she sort of handed it down to me. I started when I was a teenager in the punk rock scene in New Orleans in the 1980s. We were all really into the DIY Spirit of the time. I tried my hand at illustration, various forms of visual art, music, and later in life, writing. I still enjoy practicing all those forms of creative expression.
For my visual art I still create regularly and attend makers markets and enjoy selling my work through various online platforms. I regularly compose, produce, and release my music through all available audio platforms under the moniker, “starofkaos.” . For my writing I have one book out currently and am working on my second one as I write this.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Really the only struggles I can think of for a creative person like myself is the fact that I usually tend to create darker, more challenging forms of artistic expression. This tends to appeal to a smaller market but the good news is that the fans I have are very dedicated.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In regard to my illustration or my visual art, I like to think that I have a distinct style and that my work is fairly easy to identify. I tend to create what has been called, “Underground” art, which is cartoonish and surrealist in nature. I’m also fascinated with the holiday of Halloween, so that is a focus of my work lately.
For my writing I’ve been told that I have a voice and that it is also quite distinct. I’ve written for various publications over the years. When it comes to the music that I produce, I’ve had a long history of creating experimental, or what some would call Industrial music. I was in the very first Industrial band back in New Orleans as early as 1990 so I have a fan base that reaches back at least that far and they know what to expect with my work. I would say the thing I’m most proud of is that even all these years later, I’m still fiercely DIY and I try as much as I can to maintain creative control over my work. Fame is not something I chase, but rather I strive for consistency and honesty.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Overall, I appreciate Denver’s connection to nature and the many opportunities it offers for a variety of events and cultures. I think that sometimes the size of the city can be too much for folks and can lead to a disconnected feeling to other people. It’s harder to meet people and build lasting connections here is what I’ve found so far. I don’t drink or do hard drugs and my recovery is very important to me. Denver is a good place to focus on activities that aren’t dominated by drugs and alcohol.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m._bevis
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/starofkaos
- Other: https://starofkaos.bandcamp.com/
